(buses[IN]gapore!)

LECIP Electronic Destination Signage for Volvo Super Olympians

2012-01-12T13:06:00.003+08:00

Following up on the previous post on LECIP EDSes upgrade on the older double deckers (CDGE B9TL and Volvo Olympian 3 axles batch 3), I wrote that "And after the installation is complete for the CDGE B9TLs, the next to recieve a LECIP upgrade might be the Volvo Super Olympian fleet, as the oldest VO3X batch 3 recieved its LECIP upgrade due to it still having a long (service) lifespan with SBS Transit".

And on the 2nd last day of 2011 (30th Dec 2011), SBS9822L was the first Volvo Super Olympian to have the LECIP EDS upgrade, using the size of signage from the CDGE B9TL. The original red borders are not changed to black as with the VO3X batch 3 upgrades.

SBS9822L on 65 as it approached Tampines.

Unlike previous upgrades which utilised the side destination plate holder box, the electronic signage on SBS9822L is mounted on top (similar to the Wright B9TLs)

SBS9839P, with the side destination holder at the bottom of the left window.

About a week later, the signage was changed to a bigger one, giving it an appearance similar to SBS9810X. (Yea, the photo below looks edited/photoshopped, most likely due to the existing red border that many are familiar with).

A big signage similar to the one used on the Wright B9TL batch 3 was fitted in place of the original small signage. The side signage remains unchanged.

The Volvo Super Olympian's plastic signage holder space seems to be able to accomodate a big electronic signage as part of its design, as seen on the then-SBS9888Y Volvo Super Olympian demonstrator (burnt down in a depot fire) and SBS9810X, hence the bigger LECIP signage is a welcome change from the previous small signages seen on the other 2 models given it is now more visible.

Though adding in the black borders could help in aiding visibility too.

SMRT Buses : Nissan Diesel U31RCN/ Fuji Heavy Industries

2012-01-05T21:32:00.001+08:00

The Nissan Diesel U31RCN was brought in in 1993 by Trans Island Bus Services (more commonly known as TIBS) from Japan. It would be the last Nissan Diesel U31 series bus which was brought by Trans Island in both original airconditioned (OAC) and the non-airconditioned (NAC) before TIBS went on to purchase mostly European brands (with the exception of Hino HS3KRKA/KRKK with Volgren bodywork).

The previous U31 series, U31F and U31SCN had already been phased out.

U31F (Photo from the old TIBS website)

U31SCN (Photo from the old TIBS website)

U31RCN, TIB362M when brand new. Photo from the old TIBS website.

All 3 variants of the Nissan Diesel U31 were fitted with Fuji Heavy Industries' R15/5E bodywork (with slight variations between the 3 models). The U31RCN is powered by the Nissan PE6H Diesel (emission standard EEC 2403) coupled with a ZF4HP500 automatic gearbox.

Though the U31RCN is the only U31 series model to be fitted with a LAWO flipdot signage. The chassis uses leaf spring suspension, sometimes giving commuters a bouncy ride.

The good old Nissan Diesel PE6H.

Words cannot describe the nostalgic feeling that you get when you see this bus on the modern roads of today. The design of the bodywork in Singapore today gives it a very retro look and sometimes look a bit out of place at times with modern Singapore. Not to mention the feeling that you travelled back in time when you board one of the U31RCN with its interior which by today can be considered retro.

The U31RCN buses has also been frequently mistaken as a bus that is older than what its real age is due to the design.

Unlike the front signage which is a large board of flipdots, the side signage only consist of 3 distinct flipdot areas allowing for a maximum of 3 numbers or characters to be displayed.

The side signage.

City Shuttle Service (also known as CSS) brought in both the OAC and the NAC versions for plying on their various CSS routes.

TIB369U seen arriving on 854.at Yishun Int.

As part of an effort to achieve a 100% fully air conditioned fleet, TIBS's NAC buses underwent conversion to become a converted air conditioned (CAC). For the U31RCN NAC buses they were fitted with the same Fuji airconditioning unit as the OAC cousins, but the sliding windows were bolted shut instead of being replaced with full glass windows, as with many other TIBS converted airconditioned buses such as the Mercedes O405 (Hispano CAC) and the then-unrefurbished Scania L113CRL ELBO buses.

CSS194M, one of the few converted air conditioned U31RCN which was transferred to SMRT Buses' fleet while retaining the CSS registration number.

Both the OAC and the CAC variant parked at Geylang Lor 1. (TIB369U & CSS194M) in late December 2011

The bumper/headlamp cluster

Towing load sign at the bumper area.

Nissan Diesel's wing mirror with the rust on the bus.

A destination signage holder together with its slightly newer counterpart, the flipdot signage behind the glass window.

Apparently a feature unique only on the CSS Nissan Diesels, there is a fluorescent light tube that illuminates the entrance and exit. According to sources, it was used back in the 90s when the street lighting was not very good.

Entrance illiumination

Exit illumination

And there is a grab bar outside of the bus just right outside at the exit door to facilitate alighting.

The grab pole on the outside of the bus.

Though the interior writeup will mostly feature the converted airconditioned variant, the original airconditioned variant has mostly identical feature sets. The CAC bus featured is CSS194M, which is about to be retired as of this posting, with the revenue service equipments removed.

The unique steps at the front entrance

The space is allocated so as to allow the folding leafs of the door to move freely.

The folding door with the grab pole for boarding.

The front door when closed.

The badging and chassis/engine number of the bus, with the front door mechanism just below.

The dashboard of the bus is simple, with all analog dials and indicators.

The driver dashboard. Retro goodness.

To the right of the dashboard, the old style flick switch to activate the opening and closing of the entrance/exit doors.

The gear selector switch and the lights towards the left of the dashboard

Engine temperature and air pressure to the left of the gearbox selector switch.

And above the driver cabin

The various switches to activate power for the EDS, interior lighting, EDS controller and interior fan selector. It reminds one of a very old house which uses similar looking switches.

The LAWO signage controller

The Fuji airconditioning switch.

The first aid kit box behind behind the driver. This bus has been removed from revenue service, hence the first aid kit is not present. There's a slot for putting a lock on it.

And not forgetting the green bus stopping bell in front, with the spotlight on the ceiling that illuminates the entrance at night.

The entrance door. "No Standing On Steps"

The U31RCN was one of the first few TIBS bus types to feature a zero-partion interior giving the interior a very spacious and roomy feel, and is said to be one of the lowest entry floorline for step buses.

The original seat covers on the OAC was a grey and blue fabric seat covers, while the NAC/CAC was a brown PVC seat covers before refurbishments. The U31RCN was the last in the TIBS fleet to be using bench seatings; newer buses brought by TIBS featured individual seatings mostly by Vogelsitze.

Also due to the lower floorline, the seats above all the wheel arches are raised slightly higher than usual and there are raised metal foot rests installed for the passengers to put their feet on.

OAC interior

Original interior of an OAC Nissan Diesel (Photo by Public Transport Hub)

Refurbished interior of an OAC

NAC/CAC interior

The original NAC/CAC interior before refurbishments (Photo from the old TIBS website)

Refurbished interior of a CAC

On this particular converted airconditioned bus CSS194M, it was possible to open the sliding windows.

A window opened up.

Right behind the driver's cabin.

No smoking, eating and drinking and durians are allowed on the bus.

This two are ventilation slots that can be opened and convert an OAC bus to an NAC bus in case of an aircon breakdown to continue service, and allow more fresh air to be blown into a NAC. Today, any aircon breakdowns == declare bus breakdown.

Aircon ductings. When it was NAC, this channeled fresh air ino the bus.

The Fuji aircon filter.

Just above the left wheel arch, the farecard validator and the ticket dispenser.

The emergency door cock is right beside the front door at the wheelarch.

The wheel arch is very big.

On the left front wheelarch, and the metal foot rest for both the back facing and foward facing passengers.

The same for the right front wheel arch.

The priority seats are smaller than the regular seats, due to the accomodation of the sliding door pocket.

The pocket that holds the sliding door.

The sliding door, with the exit sign, spotlight and red door closing sign.

Both the door and the pocket side by side.

The steps and the bin. The photoelectric sensor (safety feature, in blue) was not a feature fitted when the U31RCNs were first brought in, but was an upgrade for enhance passenger safety.

A sign for opening the sliding exit door in an emergency found beside the door.

The bus stopping light in the middle of the bus. The yelow strip running in the middle of the bus is also a bus stopping bell strip, which is not featured in the newer buses of today.

The bus stopping bell and the button together.

A ventilation fan near the rear of the bus. There are two of them on the bus.

Towards the rear half of the U31RCN

More foot rest for the seats above the left rear wheel arch....

and the right rear wheel arch.

And all the seat covers are white backing too!

The Emergency Exit door. 4 Generations of stickers, The sticker on the door should be the original sticker in traditional Mandarin.

Wear and tear, and the tradiational Mandarin character for open under "To Open".

To sum it up, it's hard to say goodbye to the U31RCNs as the rest of the remaining gets retired from service. There were U31RCNs retired after 17 years, while those that are still in service were given a 2 year extension and refurbished.

TIB365E on off service reaching Yishun Interchange.

Currently still one of the most iconic buses around, it is the second last Japanese public bus type in service in Singapore (the other being the Hino HS3KRKA (TIB905Y) demonstrator and its production variant, the Hino HS3KRKKs.

TIB1255H, the only CSS converted TIB rego CAC U31RCN to be still in service in 2011/2012 before eventual retirement.

Goodbye to the old and hardy U31RCN (1993-2012). Thank you for your service =)

SBS Transit / NTU / THU : Higer KLQ6129GQH2 Fuel Cell Bus (RD6066L)

2011-12-02T23:46:00.001+08:00

The Higer KLQ6129GQH2 Fuel Cell Bus was created to ferry athletes and officials around the Youth Olympics Village which was located at Yunnan Garden Campus in the Nanyang Technological University in August 2010.

According to phsyorg.org : "The hybrid fuel cell-battery bus is a joint research project by Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and China's Tsinghua University (THU) and marks another major step forward in NTU's sustainability research and development."

The bus is zero emission, using a hybrid fuel cell that uses hydrogen and oxygen to transform to electricity, which is stored on in the battery and used to power the bus. It is also low entry, wheelchair accessible bus.

The Higer Fuel Cell Bus @ Wee Kim Wee School of Communications and Information.

The bus was constructed and tested in Suzhou.

On the road, probably under test drive in China. Photo from sgforums user ssvenisu

In front of Higer's company building in China. Photo from sgforums user ssvenisu

With the Chinese press in Higer's factory. Photo from sgforums user ssvenisu

The "engine" of the bus. Photo from sgforums user ssvenisu

After arrival to Singapore, it was under trial run, and was photographed by bigbus weblog's blogger.

Seen here driven around NTU with trade plate and SBS Transit livery minus the logo. Photo by bigbus

It was registered as RD6066L (RD standing for Research & Development) in July 2010, was launched with the Sunlong hybrids. It adorned its current blue advertisment "Zer0 Emission, Low noise, Emits Clean Water".

As the Higer departs Boon Lay Interchange. Photo by bigbus.

It was later deployed to do Youth Olympic Games (YOG) internal shuttle, under the plate YOG3419.

On driver familiarisation runs and with a full body YOG livery, YOG3418 making its rounds. Photo by bigbus.

And after the YOG, the bus was parked for a long time in its holding area in NTU.

In the holding area within NTU, seen with ezlink card readers and revenue service equipments.

Which it seems to remain inside until it was moved out to another spot within NTU from 17th Nov 2011 onwards.

Rough translation: To prevent leafs from clogging up and collecting water, please cover up the roof of the bus as soon as possible. Dated 2011.11.17 by THU.

On to the actual vehicle itself:

The front of the bus with citybus styling, though the top of the bus looks out of place with a higher roof. .

RD6066L, with its badging model number KLQ6128GQH2.

The roof of the Higer Fuel Cell vehicle, containing the airconditioning pod and fuel cell equipment. The advantages of this bus is shown in this advertisment in blue and green, together with the NTU and THU university logo..

The side EDS of the bus in close up.

The right side of the bus. The black portion under the driver's window adds a nice touch to the design of the bus.

The proud partners : SBS Transit, Land Transport Authority, Higer, and Sinohytec.

GreenLite. There is a rear camera mounted on the roof to aid the driver, and a long rear EDS is installed.

The rear enigne cover, with the Higer and its mandarin character branding covered by the advertisment livery.

*The bus interior is photographed from the outside of the bus through the windows.

The interior of the bus.

The interior colour scheme (thankfully) does not follow the entirely brown theme of the Scania K230UB, instead more of a lighter colour scheme with purple grab poles and yellow door frames. Revenue equipments had been removed.

The seats are by Vogelsitze, with the seating arrangement following standard layout of SBS Transit's low entry buses (K230UB Euro V). With one right wheelarch seat and 2 pairs of 5 side facing priority seats, one wheelchair bay, and standard two abreast seating for the rear half of the bus.

The dashboard of the Higer

The driver's cabin, featuring a very colourful seat for the bus captain. The wheelarch seat is right behind the driver's cabin.

HIGER LCD TV on the front half of the bus, which is said to show the performance, battery level etc.

The left side of low floor interior, featuring 5 priority seats.

The right side of the bus also feature 5 priority seats. Equipments for the bus is seen stacked here.

Equipment is placed at the wheelchair bay.

Yellow plug doors

Another HIGER LCD TV placed for the rear half of the bus. The airconditioning filter cover is similar to the ones used on the Euro V K230UB.

The low entry configuration, rear half of the seats.

Additional photos courtesy of Frankie Wong, photographed when the bus was on service during the Youth Olympic Games.

Aircon ductings. Photo by Frankie Wong

View from rear to front. Photo by Frankie Wong.

Another view. Photo by Frankie Wong.

The front cabin area of the bus. Photo by Frankie Wong.

As of 3rd Nov 2011, the bus is undergoing conversion to be a fully electric vehicle

The newspaper article on Straits Times, Home Section, B11

The future for hybrid and electric buses. Looking forward to it =)

For more information on the Higer Fuel Cell bus, do check out the links below:
http://www.physorg.com/wire-news/36844408/more-partnerships-in-china.html
http://www.cses.eee.ntu.edu.sg/Activities/Pages/Cell%20Bus.aspx

http://www.chinabuses.org/news/2010/0602/article_3288.html

SBS Transit : Volvo B9TL Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 (Batch 3)

2011-12-01T15:51:00.001+08:00

SBS Transit's Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 bodied Volvo B9TL have two distinct batches, with the only difference being the first batch of 150 buses having ZF EcoLife 6AP 1410B transmission, and registered between SBS7500D - SBS7686B (excluding regos ending with 4). The second batch however differs in it having Voith DIWA 864.5 transmission, though the specifications remain the same as the first batch. They are currently registered in 77XX series.

However, a third batch made a debut on 23rd Nov 2011, which are registered under SBS3XXX series.

SBS3000G, the first of the 3XXX series Wright B9TL

Externally, SBS3XXX series Wright B9TLs looks very similar to the first two batches, however they are equipped with LECIP electronic destination signages (EDS) instead of Hanover signages. Though they are equipped with the Voith DIWA transmission used in the batch 2 Wrights.

Internally, it is a different story.

100% low floor!

The lower deck is now configured to be 100% fully low floor, utiliing the B9TL's potential as a full low floor double decker. The previous two batches of Wright B9TLs were configured to be low entry. The upper deck remains the same configuration.

The first two batch had low entry configuration, with a step leading to the seats pictured here.

The low floor configuration zero step configuration.

In the thid batch, it is largely similar in layout, however two side facing seats from each side row are now configured to be foward facing seats. They are also redesignated as priority seats.

Both pair of seats (top and bottom) are mounted on the "floor" where the previous two batches , would be the place side facing seat passengers would place their feets on.

There are also minor specifications differences in this third batch.

The first aid kit is originally housed in the Hanover EDS housing in the first two batch.

But in the third batch, it is moved to the front of the bus.

While the side and rear EDS housing is now bigger to accomodate the size of the LEICP signages.

The bigger side EDS housing.

The door closing sign is now angled for better visibility. In the previous 2 batches, the sign is placed as is, and facing downwards to the floor, making it hard to see the door closing lights when the door closes.

The move to configure this batch of Wright B9TL to 100% low floor is an improvement over the previous two batches in terms of accessibility, without needing to climb two steps in order to reach the seats, while some small modifications to the specifications such as the door closing sign and the first aid kit relocated to be more prominent at the front of the bus is a welcome change.

LECIP electronic destination signage (EDS) upgrades

2011-11-14T15:19:00.006+08:00

As SBS Transit modernises its fleet with new buses, one of the older bus models in the fleet also underwent modernisation with an electronic destination signage (EDS) upgrade. This is due to the new fleet of buses using EDS systems, which renders the plastic signage used by SBS Transit obsolete.

Volvo Olympian 3 axles batch 3 with its LECIP sigange.

The Volvo Olympian 3 axles recieved the LECIP EDS system, which the size of the system fitted into the current desto board slots, without much modifications.

SBS7402D with its 98M plastic destination plate.

The sight of two light bulbs as off service will also be history.

The ComfortDelgro Engineering bodied (CDGE) B9TLs initially did not have EDS as standard.

But on August 2011, LECIP installation had started, with the first CDGE B9TL SBS7392Z recieving its LECIP EDS. More were soon installed on other CDGE B9TLs. the systems fitted on the CDGE B9TLs are more camera friendly then the ones on the VO3X batch 3s.

Oddly, the size of the LECIP system installed on the CDGE B9TL was the same as the ones on the VO3X batch 3, as the CDGE B9TL looks to be able to accomodate a bigger EDS such as a Hanover system used by its younger Wright B9TL cousins.

SBS7392Z : the first CDGE B9TL to recieve a LECIP EDS.

The rear EDS is bigger as compared to the ones fitted on the VO3X batch 3s. Note the defunct rear plastic plate slot in the advertisment.

Transition in progress : LECIP EDS CDGE B9TL side by side with a plastic signage CDGE B9TL.

And after the installation is complete for the CDGE B9TLs, the next to recieve a LECIP upgrade might be the Volvo Super Olympian fleet, as the oldest VO3X batch 3 recieved its LECIP upgrade due to it still having a long lifespan with SBS Transit.

Most of the Volvo Super Olympian fleet are also using plastic destination board.

SBS9810X with its factory-fitted Transit Media EDS system.

The drawback of LECIP signage system? It is too small to be seen clearly from far, with the route number still squeezed to the right hand side (kerbside) with most of the area dominated by the destination and scrolling route details. All of the font size are also quite small, given that everything is cramped into what used to be just a huge route number signage.

Though defintely, upgrading the older buses with EDS is a good move as part of modernisation, and it allows the bus captain to check and change his signage with a controller at the driver compartment without needing to open up the signage compartment to change the route details/numbers.

**On 30th Dec 2011, SBS9822L was the first in the fleet of Volvo Super Olympians to have the LECIP signage upgrade.

SMRT Buses : MAN NL323F A22 Production Batch / MAN Lion's City Hybrid (Production batch)

2011-10-04T18:54:00.002+08:00

>> Do read here for the preview and writeup of the exterior of the new MAN A22, SMB189A last month.

SMB191S, the other bus registered.

On the handover day on 1st Oct 2011 from MAN to SMRT Buses, 2 buses were brought in, Of the two buses, SMB191S was newly registered the day before the launch.

The launch poster, featuring the Lion mascot.

A paper replica of the MAN NL3232F A22 for the guests.

With the purchase of 200 MAN A22 buses, it marks an exciting first for Singapore's public transport that MAN public buses will be widely used by a public transport operator. For the launch, both buses sport a full body advertisement promoting the features of the MAN A22.

SMRT Buses : "Bringing you a new travel experience!"

Given that the bodywork is based on the Lion's City Hybrid, it's also the basis for the Lion mascot. The Lion's City in the Lion City, Singapore!

SMB191S exiting Hort Park after the launch.

The rear with advertisement. The tail lamps components uses LED, enhancing visibility.

A first for SMRT Buses, the MAN NL323F A22 are equipped with Alcoa rims with rimguards. Very stylish!

Alcoa rims!

The layout of the production MAN A22 buses and SMB138Y is very similar. Therefore we recommend to read SMB138Y's writeup to compliment this article

INTERIOR

Gemilang-designed components

The design of the driver cabin is brought over from SMB138Y

Welcome Aboard SMRT!

The similar driving cab.

The interior layout is identical to SMB138Y. You can see what's behind the bus with the rear window in the production batch. The middle bus stopping bell is retained for visiblity for the rear half of the passenger cabin.

Interior of SMB189A

The Mobitec electronic display signage (EDS) signage on the production MAN buses have a new longer side EDS signage, replacing the traditional number only display and allowing for the display of route number & route details on the side.

The new long Mobitec side EDS

There is a new EDS formatting that is justified to the left, allowing for more space to show the places passing by in a longer name rather than abbreviations (varies by route details).

The aircon filter is a flat filter intake on the roof, while aircon outlets are not the adjustable types found on the OC500LE and SMB138Y.

The Denso aircon filter is flat, and not the design found on SMB138Y, which protrudes (rather uglily) into the passenger cabin.

The aircon outlet is non-adjustable.

Unlike SMB138Y, there is no wifi/LG advertisement TV fitted.

No mobile advertising/wifi installed.

Like the demo, there is an exta foldable seat at the wheelchair bay.

The door closing system.

The exit door system is sliding plug door like SMB138Y, though it looks like a different model of the door system.

Exterior view.

A GIF by SMRT Buses on the door opening and closing.

A minor difference in the rear half of SMB189A and the rest of the production batch, as SMB189A was a production interior demonstrator.

SMB189A's rear half has a step leading to the rear row of seats. "BEWARE OF STEPS"

Feedbacks saw the step removed and the rear gently sloped up to the rear row of seats from SMB190U onwards. Also there is a headrest on innermost right seat in the second last row.

Gentle slope replaces the step for the other 199 MAN production buses.

On the morning of 3rd Oct 2011, SMB189A debuted on 963E, and in the evening, it did 963.

On 963E in the morning towards Harbourfront

On 963 at night towards Woodlands Interchange.

For more information on the new MAN A22, do check out this webpage by SMRT: http://smrt.com.sg/manbus/

SMRT Buses : MAN NL323F A22 Production Batch Preview (SMB189A)

2011-09-16T16:52:00.003+08:00

>> Do read here for the bus interior and debut on 963!

The MAN NL323F A22 production batch buses are in Singapore! First spotted by the photographer behind Public Transport Hub, it generated a buzz for its unconventional design as compared to the the public buses operating in Singapore.

The very first view of the production MAN NL323F A22 buses. Photo by Public Transport Hub.

Back in December 2010, the first MAN NL323F A22 SMB138Y was brought in by SMRT for a 1 year trial. The trail was successful, and a batch of 200 MAN NL323Fs were ordered with deliveries commencing from August 2011.

SMB138Y on its first day of revenue service in December 2010

Instead of sporting the MCV eVolution bodywork as seen on the demonstrator, the production batch buses sports a Gemilang bodywork based on the MAN Lion's City Hybrid bus. The production batch uses Mobitec electronic destination signage instead of Hanover, Vogelsitze seatings and Alcoa rims.

The MAN Lion's City Hybrid. Credits to bayernernst (http://www.flickr.com/photos/67855182@N00/5040775305/sizes/l/in/photostream/)

On the unconventional part as conpared to the other commonly seen bodyworks used on public buses in service in Singapore : The front of the roof features a protrusion "air intake" that slopes back to the middle of the bus.

SMB189A on a test drive.

In the actual MAN Lion's City hybrid, the roof housing the hybrid components under an airflow-optimized roofline, has been awarded with the reddot design award 2011. This front air intake will cool the capacitors when the bus is operating.

"The body-coloured curvature ends at the silver-coloured roof-surrounding panel, the characteristic AeroLine, which runs over the entire roof. At the same time, this high-quality panel screens the electric cabling and connections behind it from view. Moreover, it provides the optimum routing for air and the air-cooling of the electrical components. Its anodised, aluminium-like colour gives the vehicle elegance and haptics. "

Source from here, here & here.

However, in the MAN NL323F production batch, this roofline serves as a routing for air and channeling air to the airconditioning unit housed behind.

SMB189A on its way to inspection.

SMB189A's rear.

The bus features a third brake light as standard just like the demonstrator as an added safety measure. SMB189A is registered as of 15th Sept 2011, and more should be registered in the coming months.

Update 1: There are speculations that this bodywork may not be manufacture by Gemilang. We are awaiting for a confirmation on the brand of the bodywork.

~~Update 2: Bodywork is by Gemilang. News article here :~~ http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/25GEMILANG/Article/

Update 3: Joey Foo points out it's MAN's original parts for the bodywork, essentially a MAN Lion's City Hybrid bodywork on a MAN A22 chassis, with assembly done by Gemilang.

Cross border fleet change for 170/170X from 29th August 2011

2011-08-29T22:01:00.000+08:00

Following 160 and 950's fleet change from their respective predecessor buses, 170 and its shortworking cousin 170X recieved its fleet change on 29th August 2011.

Striders make an appearance on 170...

...and on its shortworking cousin 170X!

The DM3500s are now the mainstay for 170's fleet

This bus used to have a Transit Media electronic destination signage system.

Some of the new plates for 170

For 170

170X > Singapore - Kranji MRT

170X > JB -Kotaraya II

And farewell to the MK IIIs that served on 160/170

Cross border fleet change from 1st August 2011.

2011-08-07T01:53:00.000+08:00

1st August 2011 marks a round of fleet renewal for the cross border services by SBS Transit and SMRT Buses, as their predecessors gets retired

SBS Transit's 170 and 160
There's older buses before this B57 model, but the B57 is the oldest model i remember. We start from the known retired B57 buses on 170

SBS's retired Volvo B57 (from SBS Transit Memory Lane website)

to 170 having B10M MK IIs

A retired Volvo B10M MK II.

to B10M MK IIIs were introduced when 170 became fully air-conditoned service. It was a welcome relief as commuters are spared from breathing in the vehicle exhausts during a jam, and also travel across the two countries in air-conditioned comfort)

A MK III (SBS787P) carrying an advertisment for Maybank. Cross border buses rarely has advertisments on it.

With its sister service 160 from Jurong East to Kotaraya II introduced in September 2004, it received the airconditioned MK IIIs.

SBS739D on 160, at Jurong East bound for Kotaraya II Terminal at Johore Bahru.

and now, part of 160's fleet has been replaced with B10M MK IV buses with DM3500 bodywork.

SBS2750G, one of the MK IV DM3500s deployed to 160.

170 has not yet received its deployment of DM3500s yet.

A blue-plate 170.

Though a GIMP-ed version is edited by joeyfoo photography depicting a B10M MK IV DM3500 on 170.

Currently, the MK IV DM3500s are making up part of the fleet for 160 only, and looks to be a gradual changover; with 160/170's entire fleet expected to be using MK IV DM3500 buses in the coming months.

SMRT Buses.

19 September 2004 saw the introduction of 950 as a competitor/alternative on the cross border services operating between Singapore and Malaysia. The fleet consisted of Hispano O405s since its introduction.

The route details were updated in July 2011 to scroll with route details instead of static "Kotaraya II/Johore Bahru" & "Woodlands Int/Singapore"

TIB968R on 950

The rear of TIB968R, with its Malaysia stickers for entering Malaysia as a revenue service bus.

It is supplemented by a fleet of OC500LEs.

SMB98D on 950

The Malaysian permit sticker.

And the black information sticker has been updated to a newer reflecting the accurate information for the OC500LE.

The old sticker.

The new sticker.

The rear showing the stickers.

The rear of the OC500LE with its Malaysia stickers for entering Malaysia as a revenue service bus.

The predecessor and successor for O405s for 950, the Hispano O405 in front, and the Volgren O405 at the back.

This also marks the first time where two models from each of the company is running on their respective service (exception of service 170 as it has not received MK IV DM3500s yet)

All info are as of 3rd August 2011.

SMRT Buses' fleet of new buses

2011-07-15T23:20:00.001+08:00

MAN A22/MCV eVolution

SMB138Y, MAN A22 demonstrator with MCV bodywork

SMRT Buses has made a purchase for a fleet of MAN A22 low floor buses worth over $65 million! As the press release mentions that it will utilise the sliding plug doors, which suggests that the bodywork could be the smart-looking MCV eVolution bodywork that is used on the demonstrator SMB138Y. Delieveries of the MAN A22 buses will start from August 2011 to end-2012.

The press release from ST Engineering.
http://www.stengg.com/pressroom/press_releases_read.aspx?paid=1734

ZhongTong Hybrid LCK6121GHEV

ZhongTong Hybrid LCK6121GHEV

The first hybrid for SMRT Buses, and the second China-made public bus is now laid up till 28th June 2012, given the 6 months trial that started in January was up. There is no information available if the bus will stay beyond the 6 months trial as of July 2011.

BYD electric buses

BYD K9 Electric bus (Photo by Chinabuses.org)
Given the trial of the hybrid Zhongtong (which uses diesel and electricity to run) has ended, a greener alternative of electricity-only 10 BYD e-buses will be brought in by SMRT Buses. The model is not stated in the press release, however it is speculated that the K9 bus will be brought in.

http://www.chinabuses.org/news/2011/0607/article_4365.html

Sentosa buses' new livery!

2011-06-19T15:15:00.005+08:00

The old livery of the buses that are operating in Sentosa will soon be updated with a fresh new livery! It now features Sentosa as "Asia's Favourite Playground"

Old and New livery on a Liannex bodied Volvo B7R coach.

Old livery

The old livery on the left

The old livery on the right

The old livery at the rear.

New livery

The new livery on the left

The new livery on the right

The new livery on the rear.

The old and new livery pictured together.

Old and New livery on a Liannex bodied Volvo B7RLE citybus

The old livery on the left

The old livery on the right

The new livery on the left

The new livery at the rear.

The rear of the old livery, pictured together with the new livery together at the terminal.

The new livery looks very refreshing and stylish, with its fluid lines flowing about the bus and a darker orange colour paint theme.

And there's a new Sentosa bus model that has the old livery on it. There is a possibility that Sentosa might release it in the new livery. More information of the new Sentosa bus can be found here. Though the old one is phased out.

The new and old diecast together. The right one (old model) is phased out. (unwatermarked photo is used by orientalmodelbuses.co.uk for their page feature for international viewers.)

The new model features a Liannex bodied Volvo B7R. It retails for SG$15 and is available at the following Sentosa outlets - The Merlion Tower, Merlion Plaza, Sentosa Boardwalk, Waterfront Sentosa Express Station, Images of Singapore and Oscar & Co at Beach Station.

SBS Transit : Mercedes Benz Citaro O530 / EvoBus

2011-06-06T22:30:00.004+08:00

The first of the SBS Transit Citaro, SBS6000L debuted on 1st of June 2011 on revenue service 28. The appearance is very similar to the SMRT Buses' Citaros introduced earlier in 2011 save for the livery and customisations with no major design changes in its exerior.

300 buses are ordered by SBS Transit as announced by Daimler on its press release.

SBS Transit's Citaro's features set is very similar to the SMRT Buses' production batch Citaro; there are only minor configuration/specification differences between the SBST and SMRT version. Therefore we recommend to further read the production batch Citaro's writeup to compliment this article.

SBS6000L on 28 is the first SBS Transit Citaro to debut on revenue service.

The destination signage is by LAWO, the same as SMRT's Citaro specification with its LAWO Benefit system. All SBS Transit Citaros are fitted with Alcoa rims as standard as it is lighter.

The front rims captures attention with its unique design and Mercedes Benz badge in the middle, adding a classy feel to the entire bus.

The front Alcoa rims have the Mercedes Benz rim caps installed.

The 300 Citaros are expected to be fitted with Voith DIWA 854.5 gearboxes and to fitted with Konvekta air-conditioning as standard.

SBS6000L on a familiarisation run before its debut.

No blue wheelchair logo is found on the bumper that was seen in the press release photo, it is replaced by the removable wheelchair accessible logo on the windscreen.

The rear of the Citaro

The placement of the rear signage is customised by SBS Transit to be placed on the top left.

Interior

Going on board the Citaro.

Stickers pasted by SBS Transit to caution passengers to stand clear of doors

Passenger handrails are purple.

The fire extinguisher compartment is covered up and flush with the interior.

The door movement area stickers is now curved instead of the triangles found on the previous low floor wheelchair accessible buses.

The dashboard console. The small Voith lettering can be seen gear selector's N button.

The information sticker advising passengers to pay the correct fares is above the bus captain.

The signage controller, CCTV screen and additional vents located above the driver.

The door system and emergency control.

The interior of SBS Transit's Citaro is configured with SBS Transit's standard colours of red/yellow seat covers and purple grab poles. The brown colour from the Gemilang bodied K230UBs is not used, instead grey and white is the interior colour.

The bus stopping sign says "Stopping".

Speakers. Though there are no announcements played.

The aircon ductings have advertisment panel holders installed.

The aircondition filter.

The entire front half of the bus is designated for priority seats (marked with yellow seats) on the non-step space.

The interior of SBS Transit's Citaro.

The left and the right wheelarch seats are designated to be priority seats, have side handrails installed to for the convenience of the passengers.

The left wheelarch seat.

Grab poles behind the left wheelarch seats.

The right wheelarch seat.

The grabpoles behind the right wheelarch seats. the grey colour thing could be a headrest of sorts for the rear-facing seats.

The left rear facing seats, with a grabpole installed.

And also at this rear facing seat for one adult and one child only, with another grabpole installed.

Left side seats.

And the right side seats.

The space in the aisle at the front half of the bus is adequate

The Passenger-In-Wheelchair (PIW) bay/standee area.

Two posters pasted on the bus windows at the PIW/standee area showcasing the features of the new Mercedes Benz Citaro bus.

Two posters describing the features of the new Citaro.

The PIW bay as seen from the back.

The door closing sign and emergency control.

The door system. There are two additional small grab poles at each side of the exit, below the ezlink card reader.

Wheelchair ramp.

Towards the rear half of the Citaro.

The rear half of the bus.

The left wheelarch seats.

The wheelarch seats on the right arch.

The seat is higher and will leave the feet dangling in the air.

The rear row of seats.

Part of the engine components is housed here.

Please mind your head sticker. There is also a CCTV camera to provide a view of the rear, complimenting the installed CCTV systems.

In short, though despite the similarities (given its based on the standardised Citaro design), SBS Transit's Citaros are decidely different from its SMRT cousins. The SBS Transit Citaros are also the "spritual successor" for the retired Mercedes Benz O405 (WA/DM) buses, carrying on the legacy of Mercedes Benz in SBS Transit.

Misc

Please move to the rear plate, instead of small "Please move to the rear" stickers.

The blue touch-sensitive Passenger In Wheelchair button.

Bus stopping bell.

Wheel chocks comes as standard in the Citaros.

**As of post date, the delievery of the 300 Citaros are in progress.

YM6115Z - I Love Children Bus

2011-06-02T22:37:00.007+08:00

The Volvo Olympian 2 axle convertd to YK6115Z parked at Peck Seah Street.

This bus is the former SBS7297R (Volvo Olympian 2 axles) which was based at Ayer Rajah Bus Park. It was converted to MILK (Mainly I Love Kids) bus and registered as YM6115Z. It is currently with I Love Children organisation, a voluntary welfare organization. The theme for the bus is Parenthood planning.

EXTERIOR

A Volvo Olympian 2 axle with SBS Transit on revenue service.

The bumper was repainted.

The right side of the bus.

The non-airconditioned sliding windows are all replaced with wall blocks and vents and fitted with its own power converter to power the utilities inside the bus. The bus is airconditioned for comfort of the visitors, though it is not the regular bus air conditioner fitted on double deckers.

The rear of the bus.

The rear of the bus sees the lower deck's rear window replaced with a grille, presumably for the power converter's heat exchanger.

The features in the bus is powered by an external generator instead of the bus engine for power source.

Interior/ Lower Deck

Stepping on board the MILK/I Love Children Bus's lower deck brings a familiar sense of familiarity.

The empty spaces where the revenue collection equipment used to be.

For your safety, please stand clear of doors - the old SBS sticker.

A mat to welcome visitors on board. The original door system is also retained.

The driver's compartment.

The vehicle identification number plate of the bus.

The lower deck's interior is refurbished to blue, with home-type wooden flooring that replaced the original VO2X's flooring.

The lower deck's interior.

This was where the TransitLink farecard/ticket dispenser machine was located.

There is a speaker above the space.

The bench seats, validator space, signage box and windows have all been replaced by a table and a wall.

The Volvo Olympian's exit door system is retained. There is no difference in the external appearance of the door.

Though there are locking mechanisms to prevent the door from being opened from the outside.

Two manual locks ensure the doors stay locked and cannot be opened from the outside. The SBS & SBS Transit stickers are retained on the doors together with the door closing sign and door cock.

Towards the rear half however, the familiarity of a Volvo Olympian 2 axle's interior is gone.

An extra ladder installed behind the primary staircase that leads to the upper deck.

There used to be bench seats at this area, now replaced by wall.

Used to have bench seats too. Note the power outlet on the bottom right.

Towards the rear, the wheel arch floor space is reconfigured to be behind the steps and the two blocks on the left and the right.

Let's head upstairs!

The foot of the staircase on the lower deck.

Interior/Upper Deck

A view of the staircase. The walls are all pasted with information stickers, and the original staircase handrail is also changed.

Up the staircase. The fire extinguisher glass was cleaned up.

Following the footsteps.

The front windscreen and all of the windows are blocked off by the wall, and the original lighting positions seems to be retained.

A single bench seat installed. There used to be two front-facing seats here.

Front to rear after the staircase.

The ladder as seen on the upper deck to return to the lower deck.

Even though old buses are retired when reaching the statutory age of 17 years in Singapore, they have a new lease of life if sold off/donated to other organisations, serving a new purpose for the public.

Many thanks to I Love Children for allowing the photography of the ex-SBS Transit Volvo Olympian 2 axle YM6115Z on their event "I Love Children Bus Roving @ Peck Seah Street."

The new Mercedes Benz Citaro 2011

2011-05-30T21:58:00.001+08:00

One of SMRT Buses' 11 Citaro (SMB136C, SMB139U to SMB148T)

SBS Transit's incoming 300 Citaros

With the Citaros being introduced in Singapore, a new 2011 Citaro has emerged as its successor. It features new styling and bolder lines on the side of the Citaros, making the new Citaro eye catching.

The new Mercedes Benz Citaro. Wallpaper photo courtesy of Mercedes Benz.

2 promotional video for the new Mercedes Benz Citaro on Youtube

In short, it's very impressive!

SMRT Buses : Mercedes Benz O405G/ Hispano Carrocera (TIB838H)

2011-05-14T11:45:00.755+08:00

The Mercedes Benz O405G Hispano Carrocera MK I demo : TIB838H.

To meet the growing population and demand on public transport in Singapore, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) allowed the trial of articulated buses onto Singapore roads. One of such buses brought in for the trial was the Hispano Carrocera O405G demonstrator TIB838H by TIBS, affectionally known as "The Bendy Bus".

TIB838H was registered together with the Scania L113CRL 'ELBO' buses range (TIB833X to TIB848D), and '838' is an auspicious sounding number. It is also the only bus to date to be airflown in by a cargo plane to Singapore from Spain in 1995/1996.

TIB838H when it was newly registered with TIBS (Photo from old TIBS website, courtesy of Trans Island/SMRT Buses)

An articulated bus consist of two sections being joint by a turntable at the middle, essentially creating a long bus to two section. This allows for larger carrying capacity in a single deck bus as compared to a regular 12m single decker. It can turn in the middle via the turntable for easy maneuvering around corners and bends. The entire SMRT Buses' O405G fleet are pusher bendies, in which the engine mounted at the rear "pushes" the bus forward via the trailer drive axle.

TIB838H's first service saw it plying on old service 171. The trial was successful and a fleet of O405Gs were eventually purchased, variations includes the modified MK II bodywork, the smart looking Hispano Habit bodywork by Pininfarina and a small number in Volgren bodywork

A MK II bodyworked O405G

The smart looking Hispano Habit bodyworked O405G

The Volgren bodyworked O405G

There will also be hyperlinks that link some of the bendy's feature to their rigid cousins and to some photos of the bendy that links to the particular topic of interest.

Exterior

TIB838H on its permanent service 180.

The entire bendy does look like a stretched version of the 12m Hispano Carrocera O405, as it carries most of the design elements/features over to this bodywork. The entire bodywork looks very similar, save for the side passenger windows being shorter in breadth to give an illusion that the bus is longer by having more windows.

The front of TIB838H is very similar to the Hispano Carrocera O405s, .

The feature of opening a single door leaf is carried over.

A carried over feature - one door leaf opening.

The same Hanover Flipdot system was installed in TIB838H, in which that time it was the latest flipdot on the then - recently introduced Mercedes Benz O405 CAC buses. This is also installed for the rear signage.

Panels open to reveal a small storage space and some of the systems of the bus.

The articulator of the bus - bus is fully 'bent' to the left. There is an extra signal indicator on both left and right of the bus before the articulator for extra visibility for the road users.

The third door which is located after the articulator helps to offload passengers faster.

The rear nearside is also similar to the O405s.

The right side of the bus.

A stretched version of SMRT's O405!

With the shade, it does look O405-ish.

Airconditioning provided by Konvekta, mounted under the floorboard.

Same design cues here on the offside.

The cooling unit and the battery system.

The rear is the part where it designed differently from the rigid Hispano Carrocera O405s, though it retains the general look. There is a 'Long Vehicle' and warning stickers at the windows/bumper to caution other road users of this long vehicle.

The rear of TIB838H. Same taillamp sets are used.

The rear sees a larger window encompassing the entire top half of the bus, integrating the two night lamps into the bus body and having strips for a more distinct look. Some buses have the strips removed for a cleaner look.

At the time of introduction, it was the first bus with a rear flipdot signage, mounted above it is a camera to enhance the awareness of the driver while driving.

The power is derived from a Mercedes Benz OM 447 hLA engine that is coupled with a ZF4HP500 gearbox. However, the rigid and the bendy version sounds very different, with the O405G having a higher pitch.

The full length of the articulated bus is 17.5m. Despite its length, it is able to navigate around turns quite comfortably.

Interior
The interior of TIB838H is very similar to its rigid cousins such as the aircon ducting, interior lighting design and the minimalist partion interior. The Arianne buckets seats were not originally part of the specifications, but TIB838H recieved it likely due to the then-purchase of the Scania ELBO buses that uses the same seats during the same timeframe.

Climbing onboard - The same door system used on the Carrocera O405s.

The interior of TIB838H

In the front half of the bendy:

Above the entrance door and the two other exit doors, there are adjustable aircon outlets. In the production models however, these are just vents.

The driver's console.

A small monochrome TV allows the bus captain to monitor the rear/exit door at the trailer section.

The door control switches..

The Konvekta aircon controller and the Hanover controller above the driver's cabin.

The bus stopping bell, together with an empty space that used to hold a "licensed to carry" plate.

The old Farecard machine. It is now a big ticket dispenser due to the phasing out of farecards.

Hanover Flipdot sigange.

The aircon ducting is the same as the O405s

TIB838H and the passenger information system (there are drawings to indicate the position to install the PIS)

The front half of the bendy. Note the rear half of the bendy in the background on the right.

The right single seats....

...and the left single seats....

....allows for a larger floor space for more passengers. The single seats' design are actually the original seats installed on TIB838H. On some bendies, twin abreast seatings are installed instead of single seating for this front portion.

The standee area is opposite the second exit, which became the standard for subsequent bendy configurations.

Arianne bucket seats mounted on the "platforms" above the second axle.

The 3 bus stopping indicators in the front, middle and at the trailer carriage's positioning are carried forward from the O405s design. In the production models, it was specfied to white casing with red LED lighting "BUS STOPPING".

The articulator

The articulator sees the bus having two grab poles in the middle. On the production model, it has only one grab pole. The brown walls of the articulator allows for standing passengers to lean against it.

The bendy bends with the "curtain" squeezed

While the "curtain" fans out towards the non-bent area.

Airconditioning is provided to the articulator area via this outlets at the end of the duct, with each duct there are there are two outlets, making it a total of 8 outlets.

The hint of wear and tear, together with the dust and dirt can be seen in this pic.

In the back half of the bendy:

The rear half of the bendy with a standard seating arrangement that would be carried over to the production model.

Except for this lone seat and a grab pole. In the production models, this seat is not present, with the seat behind it moved forward and gaining a slightly larger legroom.

The third door designated as the second exit for faster disembarking of passengers.

The exit door's aircon vents, door closing and the camera for the CCTV system.

The last row of seats at the front and this rear half of the bendy have this very small armrest installed.

The rear row of seats seems higher than the O405s

The view of TIB838H's interior from the rear.

As TIB838H heads out for its mid-life refurbishments, which will see some of its unique features upgraded/removed. These unique features of the bus would have been documented by many, both on pictures and in memories.

Misc

TIB838H only bendy with key startup, while the other bendies have keyless startup.

The Hispano Carrocera and bus identification plate

Thank you for moving back. Courtesy advertisement from the old TIBS days.

Electro Static filter.

A night lighting showing the ambience of the green colour interior.

A half refurbished Hispano Carrocera bendy's interior which sees the seat covers replaced to SMRT's colours. Note the front section of the bus with twin abreast seating, and the middle grab pole.

A wholly refurbished Hispano Carrocera bendy, with the single seats arrangement. TIB838H is expected to be refurbished to this, though which features will be retained or removed remains to be seen after its refurbishments.

Further reading on the Hispano Carrocera O405s @ http://busesingapore.blogspot.com/2011/02/smrt-buses-mercedes-benz-o405-hispano.html

SBS Transit : Dennis Dart/ Duple Metsec

2011-05-02T01:50:00.005+08:00

The Dennis Dart is a 9.4m midibus manufactured by Dennis Specialist Vehicles. It is larger than a standard minibus but smaller than a full fledged 12m bus. Then-Singapore Bus Service (SBS) brought in 10 units of the Dennis Darts to serve M1 and M2, which is the current route 92 and 42 respectively.

The Dennis Dart when it was newly brought in. Photo by SBS Transit

The 10 buses were registered between SBS8009A to SBS8018Z. All the Dennis Darts are bodied by Duple Metsec, and had a remarkable resemblance to the Duple Metsec bodied Volvo B10M MK III cousins.

This earned them a very cute nickname of 'baby MK III'. They are also the unique buses in the fleet to be fitted with Allison AT545 gearboxes as standard with its Cummins 6BT engine. It is possible that many may not know that SBS Transit operates such small buses given the very limited services it operates on.

Exterior

SBS8009A, the first registered Dart in the fleet, running on svc 42

This is like the 'grown up version' of the Duple Metsec bodywork ^^

The right side of the Dennis Dart.

The resemblance of the right with the B10M MK III, with similar airconditioned pod and styling.

The similarities ends at the rear as the Darts have its own unique rear.

The Dart's rear.

These buses were conceptualised to serve the low demand, short haul services on M1 (92) and M2 (42) respectively. The roads that the routes serve are small and narrow, hence the midibuses' short length is an advantage to navigate through such roads.

The bus captain guiding the Dart into a small narrow road serving the private housings.

A testament of its 9.4m length.

Interior

The entrance door

One step access to board the bus.

Stepping on board, the interior of the Dennis Dart have a very cozy feel yet spacious enough for passengers to stand/sit comfortably.

The interior of the Dennis Dart

The bus is fitted with the updated air-conditioned bus seats though the seat covers are of the older blue type.

The entrance door as viewed from inside.

In a standard 12m bus, this space would have accomodated also one more farecard validator machine, minus one seat.

Side facing bench seats are mounted above the left and right front wheelarches.

There are only two EZ-link card reader installed, one at the entrance and one at the exit. It is supplmented with a coinbox + farecard validator/ticket dispenser for cash-paying passengers.

The front of the bus, with the bus stopping bell on the left, service sticker above it and a sign on 42's terminating trips.

The Dart's driver cabin.

The aircon ducts for the bus captain, together with the Operation Control Centre communication speaker.

One entrance EZ-link reader and one coinbox for the front.

The ticket validator, the first aid kit and the fire extinguisher (behind the first aid box), together with the service guide on the side.

The Duple Metsec badging on the compartment above the Bus Captain's cabin.

The ceiling of the Dennis Dart, with grey fabric cover aircon ducts, and a ventilation fan.

A "Please move to the rear" signage near the exit of the bus.

The exit door as seen from outside.

The rear exit door, with one EZ-link reader for passengers alighting.

The Door Closing sign, bus stopping bell and the housing for the door mechanism

The front's one step entrance gently slope upwards to the exit's two steps.

Towards the rear half of the Dart.

Sutrak air-conditioning is fitted for the Dennis Dart fleet.

The emergency exit door.

The rear row of seats might be a little squeezy ^^

View from rear to front

The Dennis Darts are now semi-retiring, with the fleet on 92 from Bukit Batok Depot already completely retired. The rest of the fleet from service 42 are expected to retire by October 2011. It is unlikely that SBS Transit will purchase midibuses to replace the outgoing Darts, though this might change in the future.
Misc

The Vehicle Licence and Cool-Air logo for the windscreen.

A very cute front wheel...

....coupled wth a cute rear wheel!

The old SBS logo is embossed on the coinbox.

The destination signage holder.

The bodywork identification plate is worn-out but still visible

The Duple Metsec and Dennis badgings...

.....and the Dart badging painted over to be consistent with the livery.

Headlight/bumper area of the Dart, with its small horizontal wipers.

The two Darts on 42 meets each other at the same location near Kembangan MRT station, which the one nearer to the station serving as the terminating stop for the service.

From inside the Dart.

From outside, the two Dennis Darts meeting each other. SBS8016D is parked at the terminating bus stop.

Daimler Buses delivers SBS Transit's 300 Mercedes Benz Citaros

2011-04-21T20:05:00.007+08:00

SBS Transit's Mercedes Benz Citaros (Photo courtesy of Diamler Buses)

Following the press release in September 2010 annoucing the order of 300 award winning stepless bus, the first batch of SBS Transit's Mercedes Benz Citaros are currently being delivered into Singapore.

It is the largest order from Asia to date for Mercedes Benz, and the Citaros are are Euro V compliant.

Read the press release from Daimler here @ http://www.daimler.com/dccom/0-5-7153-1-1385999-1-0-0-0-0-0-16694-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0.html

New EZlink Readers/Bus Captain's console.

2011-04-18T22:46:00.000+08:00

SBS Transit have installed new EZlink readers on at least 2 buses as of this post date. These new readers are more aesthetically pleasing than the old design, and most of the familiar features of the current EZlink readers are rearranged and refreshed. One of the buses to recieve this new EZlink system is SBS8991M.

SBS8991M is one of the two buses as of this post publish date to recieve the new readers.

SBS Transit had changed the default blue cover for their readers to purple/red for their own readers, while SMRT Buses continues using the default blue cover. It seems that the purple/red covers are more heat tolerant than the default blue covers which some were warped with the readers getting quite hot at times during long hours of operation.

The current EZlink readers found on majority of the public buses. This reader is in its sleep mode.

The new design sees a refreshed/updated layout.

The current monochrome screen is now a new colour LCD screen that the information can be easily seen at a glance. Information such as time/date and distance is displayed more prominently at its permanent location of top and bottom of the screen, while the centre showing the necessary information for EZlink card transactions, all in distinct colours.

The new layout is attractive and pleasing to the eye. The new design's sleep mode is shown here.

The LCD screen is larger than the scanning area for the EZlink card, which should easily direct the commuter to the scanning area at the lower part of the reader.

New colour graphics that shows the fare in eye-catching green boxes.

The three "traffic" lights, red, yellow and green are now more prominently displayed at the top of the ezlink reader for better visibility. The new reader's sounds are also slightly more sharper.

Comparison of the front entrance's readers.

The current readers at the entrance.

The new readers onboard SBS8991M

Comparison of the exit door's readers.

The current exit door readers

The new exit door readers.

Comparison of the bus captain's console for the EZlink readers.

The current bus captain's console.

The new bus captain's console.

The new EZlink readers and console now has a modern and fresh look, 9 years after its introduction in December 2002 into Singapore's public transport system as a convenient and hassle free method of travelling on public transport. Its uses have been expanding to include payment for other various services such as food & beverage and Electronic Road Pricing.

It is not known whether if the new readers will be progressively installed to other buses in the future as of today (18/04/2011). The other bus, SBS8955T is said to have this new system installed but it was removed a few days later.

SMRT Buses : Mercedes Benz Citaro O530 / EvoBus (Production batch)

2011-03-29T22:29:00.004+08:00

When it was unveiled back in 2010 that a Citaro will be on trial with SMRT Buses', it generated alot of excitement as such bus of this prestige was not expected to be in service in Singapore. SMB136C was unveiled at a SMRT press launch with much fanfare.

>> Do read here for a background of SMB136C, the Citaro demonstrator!

The first Citaro in service in Singapore, SMB136C

The bus was touted as the 1st 100% fully low floor Euro V bus, and officially went on trial on 16th March 2010 with SMRT Buses. Fast forward a year later, the production Citaros are now on service on Singapore roads, with the trial concluded as successful (there is another MAN fully low floor demonstrator in service now). There are currently 10 production units brought into service with SMRT Buses, while SBS Transit had made an order for 300 Citaros.

Exterior

At first glance looks similar to the Citaro demonstrator (though nobody saw SMB136C in revenue service with SMRT Buses livery, given it was stuck with the promotional ad during the trial ^^).

The beauty of the Mercedes Benz Citaro

The bodywork's elegant curves and styling, together with the simple red/black SMRT livery seem to compliment each other, giving the bus a very attractive appeal.

The side EDS now contains route details.

The most significant change is the front orange LAWO electronic destination signage (EDS), from the demonstrator which uses the Gorba EDS system. The side EDS have been moved forward and lengthened to accommodate both the display of route number and direction/route details.

Other changes in the production batch :

The exit door's height was lengthned to a bigger door on the exterior. It now uses a plug door system.
The white airconditioned pod instead of grey from the demonstrator.
No hopper windows are specified, instead it uses full length windows.

The slightly out of place dot ^^.

The slightly out of place black dot opens the front doors normally, as turning the emergency lever on the side of each doors will release the air rendering the doors inoperable unless the air is recharged.

The rear of the Citaro. Simple yet stylish.

The rear of the Citaro is the same as the demonstrator, with the secondary brake lights integrated at the top of the rear. Though oddly the Citaros are not equipped with LED tail lights for better visibility, instead opting for conventional bulbs. The LAWO EDS is located above the rear window.

The right side of the Citaro, simple, classy and attractive.

The right of the bus is simple, classy and attractive. There is an additional right blinker specified above the rear wheel on this side for better visibilty of the signal lights when the bus is exiting bus bays. One word to sum the exterior : It's breathtaking, especially together with the minimalist SMRT red and white and black livery.

(Author's note: I did not expect SMRT Buses' livery and the design/styling of the Citaro to compliment each other this well. It's breathtaking. It is a good thing that SMRT Buses kept the actual look under demonstrator's advertisment ^^)

Interior

The interior of the production batch Citaro is very similar to the demonstrator, save for a few differences. The first thing that you'll notice is the familiar SMRT's blue/purple and red with grey colour scheme.

The interior of the Citaro production batch.

Like the Citaro demonstrator, it comes with the standard Citaro seats, though the difference is the use of the blue/purple and red seat covers instead of the red fabric seat covers in the demonstrator. It did arrive with the factory-installed red fabric seats before being changed.

The seat above the wheelarch, with an additional pole in front to allow easier access to the seat.

The wheelarch seat behind the driver's seat.

The seat above the left and right wheelarch is not designated as a piority seat, and can accomodate one passenger.

The doors of the Citaro.

The poles that manipulate the front door's opening and closing are hidden entirely from the passengers, minimising the passengers accidentally holding on to it as a grab pole and damaging the door mechanisms.

The fire extinguisher is located besde the coinbox, and somewhat looks a bit out of place without the cover as seen on the demonstrator.

The driver's office.

The door buttons are not placed on the right of the driver, but instead are on the left.

The front/rear doors opening buttons are located on the left.

The driver's compartment/dashboard is also simple and elegant, and very ergonomical. The doors opening/closing buttons are located on the left.

PIS showing Bus Stopping..

PIS showing Welcome Onboard.

The Passenger Information System (2nd gen "PIS") doubles up as a Bus Stopping/Welcome Onboard messages apart from its primary purpose of providing the next stop information. There are no independent bus stopping lights found at the front or the middle of the bus; if the PIS malfunction there are not much indication to the passengers that the bell was pressed.

There are extra airconditioning vents

On both side of the bus. Also of note is no more destination signage equipment.

There are extra aircon vents at the front half of the bus, presumably to aid in the flow of the airconditiong. Though these are missing in the rear half of the bus. Though overall, the air-conditioning flow seems not to be as strong given that it is still pushed out via multiple tiny airconditioning slots.

The wheelarch seat. On the left wheelarch are two standard seats,while this is in one "single" seat but can accomodate two passengers.

Stickers to remind passengers to hold on to the grab poles (and handgrips), with a reminder to move to the rear.

No Smoking/Move to the rear

No ice cream, snacks and soft drinks allowed either ^^

There is a new yellow marking to mark the handle's position and to prevent people from accidentally walking into the pole. The foldable seat is still there, with the red cushion as the headrest, and seatbelt for safety.

The new plug doors are the standard feature found on new buses today. Oddly it is not a sliding plug door system. But this plug door system does have a flair of its own while closing!

Doors opened.

When the doors are closing, it turn inwards before plugging in back to the bus body.

Closed.

Exit!

When viewed from the interior...

Doors are closing....

*titititiititititit* (note the inward turn of the door leafs)

Doors closed.

PIW ramp.

Addition of this light strip that says "Doors Closing" at the door.

From the middle to front view.

Towards the rear half of the bus.

The rear half of the Citaro

The left side of the rear half has one seat that will leave our feets dangling. In the demonstrator, it was a lowered and higher seat side by side due to the slightly lower floor for the platform seating area.

"Conference" seats. The outermost seat on the left is higher.

The seat is actually higher above the floorline.

This outermost seat in the foreground leaves our feet dangling in the air.

The right side however, does not suffer from the same issue of a seat being higher than it should be.

Part of the engine components are inside here.

The 4 seats at the rear row, with a seatbelt in the middle row as a safety feature.

The rear window

Misc.

The announcements are quite loud in the rather quiet interior that the Citaro.

The speakers work! SMRT's announcements are played through these speakers located in the bus.

Only for emergency uses.

The Citaro's front - stylish and elegant.

The Mercedes Benz Citaro does lives up to its prestige and class as expected! The ride and comfort is very comfortable, though the airconditioning could be a bit stronger.

The Mercedes Benz Citaro - a crowd's favourite.

Wholeheartedly recommends the Citaro for a ride along any routes!

Causeway Link's CW5

2011-03-27T23:07:00.006+08:00

Causeway Link launched CW5 on 27 March 2011. It is a cross border service that plies between Newton, Singapore and Larkin, Johore Bahru. There are currently 10 buses in CW5's fleet, and Scania buses are expected to make up most of the CW5's fleet.

The flyer for CW5 by Causeway Link.

Showing the connectivity from Newton MRT to other parts of Singapore.

The pickup/drop off point is at Newton Circus' car park, beside Newton Food Centre. From here, commuters can take Newton MRT along the North South Line towards the heart of the city and the shopping belt.

At Larkin, commuters can transfer to various bus services to the shopping and entertainments in Johore Bahru.

The bus stop for CW5

A banner advertising CW5.

Newton Food Centre in the background

The bus shown as a cartoon version on CW5's promotional poster, and its design can capture the attention of anyone.

The Scania K310IB

The interior of the K310IB.

The exterior of this bus is reminisce of the trolley bus design. And the interior is comfortable and classy. The seats of the bus have the Causeway Link's trademark "smiles" pattern on the bus. Every seat have its own individual seatbelt for safety.

The rear of the bus looks like a house (^^;). It is a nice design that breaks away from tradition.

Another bus that was spotted on CW5's first day happens to be a suprise - a low entry Hino bus!

The Hino bus.

A Low-entry bus!

The interior of the Hino.

Causeway Link's CW5 allows for the connectivity between Malaysia and Singapore to be enhanced, benefitting both the trades, industries and tourisms of Malaysia and Singapore. As more cross border services are introduced, travelling between the two countries will be a breeze in the future!

As announced by the Singapore and Malaysia's Prime Minister Joint Statement during the Singapore-Malaysia Leader's retreat on May 2010.

Cross-border scheduled bus services will be doubled with the introduction
of 8 new additional routes (4 from each side) between Pasar Bakti and
Larkin in Johor and the two Integrated Resorts, Boon Lay, Yishun, Newton
and Changi Airport in Singapore.

(Special thanks to Mr Johnny Low of Causeway Link for the information and photography permission for this article on CW5.)

RWS88 : The memories

2011-02-26T01:21:00.007+08:00

On 30th Jan 2010, SMRT Buses introduced RWS88. It was introduced in support of the Government's effort to make public transport the preferred mode to visit Resorts World Sentosa (RWS).

There were two other RWS shuttle services, RWS8 and RWS68 planned. Only RWS8 went into operation.

RWS8 which operates between Habourfront and RWS. It is still in operation.

RWS8 when first introduced in 09 Jan 2010

RWS8 with the current signage indicating Resorts World Sentosa.

RWS68, which was planned to be between Outram Park and RWS. The service never materialised.

RWS68, which was never introduced.

Photographed RWS88 on the second last day of operations.

Resorts World Sentosa signage.

City Hall (Loop) signage.

RWS88 rear signage.

A sign directing commuters boarding RWS88 to The Adelphi Lifestyle Mall bus stop

It was withdrawn due to low demand on 26th Dec 2010, which seemingly scrapped the plans of introducing RWS68.

Merger of SBS Transit's 103 & 103M on 13th Feb 2011

2011-02-13T19:17:00.002+08:00

On 13th Feb 2011, 103M was merged with the main 103 route which now calls at 14 new bus stops along its merged route, plying Seletar Aerospace Drive and a section of West Camp Road.

It was formerly known as 103W, before renamed as 103M. The route spans from Serangoon to West Camp Road (Loop)

A publicity notice placed on the bus stop pole informing commuters of the merger

Estimated arrival timings.

The last bus on the last trip of 103M : SBS597X

103M's side destination plate on SBS597X

Passing by an empty stop towards West Camp Road

The routing of 103M photographed from within the last bus.

The lone service along this stretch towards West Camp Road.

On its return trip

A security post with a portion of the road closed.

Road will be closed on 13th Feb 2011

Last trip along this route

Turning out

Exiting...

East Camp~

SBS597X towards Serangoon before the route officially ends.

Last trip, last photo too =)

According to SBS Transit's press release : "
This route merger is due to road changes by the Authorities where another section of West Camp Road will be permanently removed while the bus stop along Piccadilly before East Camp Gate will be abolished.
With the road removal, the two pairs of bus stops along the affected road will be re-sited to the adjoining Seletar Aerospace Drive to minimise inconvenience to commuters. There will be no change to the operating hours of Service 103 which will ply from Serangoon Interchange and loop at West Camp Road (ST Airport Services)."

Farewell SMRT Buses' Yutong ZK6126HGC, SMB135E

2011-02-12T02:25:00.003+08:00

The first China-made public citybus, SMB135E Yutong ZK6126HGC has been shipped back to China and is de-registered. The bus was on shown to be on lay up and sources indicate that it was shipped back to China since August 2010. It had faithfully served on 854 till the trial ended.

Farewell SMB135E.

Do read more about SMB135E here: http://busesingapore.blogspot.com/2010/08/smrts-yutong-zk6126hgc.html

**Update on 22/05/2011 : PC194T is the new registration of the bus, and it now with Bedok Transport. Whether the bus was sent back to China may not be known.

** Update on 05/06/2011 : It's in Singapore! Now with Bedok Transport.

PC194T with Bedok Transport

SMRT Buses : Mercedes Benz O405 Hispano Carrocera Tribute Tour [PART 2]

2011-02-06T18:03:00.003+08:00

Part 1 covered SMRT Buses' Mercedes O405 Hispano Carrocera buses themselves. Part 2 now covers on the tour that was held on 15th Jan 2011 with several enthusiasts joining in this tribute tour.
The first batch of these buses are nearing 17 years of their lifespan. Without extension, they are scheduled to be laid up by the next half of 2011.

A tribute tour was held by the bus enthusiasts on 15th Jan 2011 in recongnition of these buses that have touched our heart and souls, leaving a very lasting impression and memories since the TIBS days.

The tour was held with much of a history tour for TIBS and these pioneering buses.

Manjit, the Captain for TIB828L

Mr Koh Soon Teck, the Captan for TIB762S

Tour Start!

At Yishun Interchange, there was a opening cermony where the specially programmed Destination signage for the tour was unveiled. Boarding commenced shortly after. Yishun Interchange was chosen specially for the start point

The specially programmed EDS video by Willis Chong

The presenter of TIB828L : Chris Tan. Presenter for TIB762S was Wei Tong.

The buses went by the defunct Jalan Kayu Bus Terminal towards Sengkang/Punggol, where TIBS also used to operate out of the terminal.

Taking a shot from the bus when at the junction.

At Punggol Road end, where everyone took a shot of both buses U-turning at the road end.

Travelling towards the photo point, we passed through some of the old routes operated by TIBS and these buses ran, in which presenters on both buses quizzed and shared information on the histories of the routes and buses that dates way back to then-TIBS days.

When these Hispano-bodied O405 debuted, it gave commuters a very different view of the buses that TIBS operated. With its bright orange/yellow and biege livery, big green flipdot signage and a very distinct look, it was set to give a commuters a refreshing experience. Attractive green interior with minimal partions and individual seatings gave the bus a very open and comfortable atmosphere.

Enjoying the trip

Photostop

Photostop took us to the Fort Heavy Vehicle Park, where there were a few shots taken.

Catching good photos for memories of the two types of buses.

Photographed Photographer.

Unfortunately, it started to rain =X.

Moving to the nearby backup photostop.

Something's cooking back there ^^

The whole tour promptly moved to the backup sheltered photostop at the coach parking area near the demolished National Stadium (which it is to be redeveloped to a Singapore Sports Hub) where the photoshoot of the buses and features continued.

Photographers~

Next!

Something's there...*snaps*

Checking out TIB762S

Presenting the Appreciation Certificates for the Manjit and Mr Koh, in which the tour will not be possible without them too!

Wei Tong & Mr Koh

Chris and Manjit

And of course, it is also not possible with the participation of our guests too!

The Mercedes Benz O405 Hispano Carrocera Tribute Tour Group Shot.

Departing the coach bay.

The tour went up Mount Faber, which is one of the highlights of the tour (no SMRT services plies Mount Faber so far).

Onboard TIB828L by Clement Tan

And on board TIB762S by Willis Chong

The last part of the tour went past Bukit Panjang and Bukit Batok, in which we plied another old route TIBS 179 before the Light Rapid Transit (LRT) was built. The tour also ran along a portion of TIBS service 989, which was a service from Choa Chu Kang to Changi Airport , before its withdrawal and merger with TIBS 185 that plies between Choa Chu Kang and Jln Anak Bukit that is today's 985 (ending at Geylang Lor 1)

And celebrating a fellow enthusiast's birthday on the bus too!

Happy Birthday!

As these iconic buses start to retire within these few years, there will be fond memories for everyone young and old alike, with its illustrious history with TIBS & SMRT Buses. Thank you for the 17 years of service on Singapore roads, each and every one of the Hispano O405s.

Thank you =)

SBS Transit's Volvo double deckers~

2011-02-02T20:13:00.000+08:00

Snapped on Chinese New Year's Eve 2011.

It shows the generation difference in the Volvo Olympians and successors in SBS Transit's fleet.
The newer Volvo Wright B9TL with the bright orange EDS and modern Wright styling and the Volvo Olympian 3 axles (batch 1) with arylic route plate and a more traditional Royale styling.

Two Volvo double deckers on 174.

Memories for the future~