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

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

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.

SBS Transit's first Volvo B9TL on service 157

It was a pleasant surprise today as the SBS Transit's first Volvo B9TL ran on revenue service today on service 157.

SBS7486L from Braddell Bus Park on 157, permanent service on 88.

It was odd as even though the part of the 200 CDGE B9TLs were deployed to both Braddell Bus Park and Soon Lee Bus Park, none of them ever ran on service 157 (cameos or permanent bus) till today.

With the Leyland Olympians retiring, the CDGE/incoming Wright B9TLs may become part of the permanent fleet on 157.

Author's wish now : I wish it will be a Wright bodied B9TL next ^^.

Update: According to Charles Teo's info on our facebook page, it is the 2nd B9TL on 157. The first time was one of SLBP's 143 B9TL did 157 route (TPY to Boon Lay) before switching back to service 143. That means that this bus is the first BRBP bus to do 157. ^^

SBS Transit : Volvo B9TL Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 (Batch 1 & 2)

 Update - After this post was published, a fellow transport enthusiast Darryl highlighted that the B9TL no longer has the name "Olympian" and is simply known as B9TL.

Update 2 - Joey points out that the bodywork is named Wright Eclipse Gemini 2, and not Wright Gemini Eclipse 2.

Update 3 - Batch 1 is registered under the SBS7500D - SBS7686B series (excluding regos ending with 4, and equipped with ZF EcoLife 6AP 1410B transmission. Batch 2 is registered under the 77XX series and using Voith DIWA 864.5 transmission.
The batch 3 Wright B9TLs, which are configured to 100% fully low floor made a debut on 23rd Nov 2011 and are registered in the 3XXX series.


And that is quite a mouthful there for the name of these new double deckers that hit the road recently!

SBS7501B part of SBS Transit's newest fleet addition/replacements for Wheelchair accessible buses.

The Volvo B9TL Olympian chassis was first brought in by SBS Transit with in house ComfortDelgro Engineering (CDGE) bodywork sourced from various kit suppliers.

ComfortDelgro Engineering bodied- Volvo B9TL Euro III.

• Known as Singapore's first Wheelchair accessible bus (photos by Edward Yeo), this series of CDGE B9TL had several innovative ideas implemented, such as a new seating arrangement on both decks, one piece glass for the windscreen and a curved front that moves away from the traditional "blocky" double deck design. Though it does have some issues of its own like a roaring radiator and vibrations that affects some of the units in this variant.

The announcement that SBS Transit purchased a new fleet of B9TL Euro V chassis that would be bodied by Wright took the community by surprise, given the recent purchases of new buses being bodied by local/regional bodyworks.

Debuting on the roads on the 1st November, 3 units of Wrights were deployed. SBS7501B and SBS7506M on 185, and SBS7505R on 60.

The Wright B9TLs are like evolved version of the CDGE variant.

At first glance, the first thing that strikes any commuters would be the design. It looks similar to the CDGE
front, but yet different and has the "oomph" to capture anyone's attention on the roads. The large Hanover Electronic display signage, three piece windscreen with an egg-shaped (oval) glass gives a very modern look
overall.

The front is striking and attractive, with the Wright trademark design lined in sliver and the bubble front.

There are two extra holes below each headlamp clusters, SBS Transit did not forgot to fit in more headlights. They are empty molds by Wright designs which is not specified for usage in the blueprints.

It is like the CDGE B9TL bodywork, evolved.

The rear of the bus is also reminisce of the CDGE B9TL, complete with the Volvo badge on the bottom left.

The Hanover EDS is not placed within the bodywork but on the upper deck windscreen to allow easier maintenance.This is an all Wright design except the fact that the engine cover lacks the Wright trademark logo, instead just a hint of the pattern without the lines. One notable difference is the signal light is available for the left and right and is more at the top for better visibility to road users behind, and does not look out of place anymore unlike the KUBs and CDGE B9TLs.

On board the Wright B9TL

The ticket dispenser now sits in a housing for its own.Transitlink machines anyone? ^^

The interior is familiar yet different -The top aircon duct curves and the wheelarch cover on the left.

Another familiar layout.The Wright's design of glass, curves and black with grey trims here are very pleasing to the eyes.

Not to mention the WAB space, the backrest is on a very cool black "background"

Layout is similar to CDGE but the Wright curvy poles everywhere, with a curvy aircon duct.

Though SBS Transit did not configure this to be a fully low floor interior like the KMB Wright B9TL, it offers a wider aisle to enhance passenger comfort. Plus the colour scheme of light tan brown with purple grab pole is more comfortable than the dull brown now commonly seen on all the K230UBs in SBS Transit's fleet. The CDGE build quality does not feel cheap anywhere, as the builds were supervised by Wrightbus.

Upper deck

Upper deck is similar, but there is the 2X2 additional aircon ducts on the side of each aircon ducts

The asymmetry is part of the Wright design, due to the location of the staircase.

CUSTOMCARE by WRIGHT - TOUGHGLASS.

A blue tint to shield from the sunlight...

 ...not very useful in the evening and morning sun. CDGE's B9TL has a much darker tint for the whole upper deck windscreen.

It's not a straight staircase, but it gets the job done.

All the lighting covers on the top and bottom deck is clear colour instead of opaque white. Very attractive in day and night!

EDS housed on the compartment on the bottom left.

View from the rear to front. The updated design aesthetics creates a very modern feel..

Aircon outlet.

Ride & comfort.

The ride was a smooth, pleasant and a very quiet one compared to the CDGE B9TLs now which are rather noisy after a few years in service. The usage of the red colour seats covers by SBST which traps heat makes long journeys uncomfortable a while; the CDGE B9TL's yellow seat covers are instead much more  comfortable. Though the bell kind of irritating with its loud blunt "BEEP" when pressed in this pleasant atmosphere.

Overall

The Wright B9TLs are overall a very charming addition into SBS Transit's recent fleet renewal.

The hype created by this B9TL variant lives up to expectation. There are minor issues cropping up, such as the upper deck windscreen with sun and the bus stopping buzzer. But the modern look, updated interiors coupled with the smooth performance and quiet interior will win every commuter's hearts as more of the Wrights enter revenue service.

- (buses[IN]gapore!)

SBS Transit's Wright B9TLs are on revenue service now!

The Wright B9TLs are currently on service  as of today (1st Nov)
SBS7501B - 185
SBS7506M - 185

SBS7505R -60.

Expect more Wrights to be out soon!

(The author is currently working and may not be able to catch the Wrights till this friday.)

SBS Transit's Wright B9TLs

Preview of the Wright B9TLs launch cermony by SGCITYBUS up on his fotopic @ http://sgcitybus.fotopic.net/c1899353.html

(credits to SGCITYBUS)

SBS Transit's Wright Volvo B9TL is registered!

With the 200 units of ComfortDelgro-bodied B9TLs registration ending at SBS7499A, the new batch of Euro V Wright B9TLs have continued on with the SBS7XXX registration series.

The first unit, completely built up by Wright is registered as SBS7500D. This bus is expected to be a reference for the later completely built up units CKD (completely knocked down) kits. Wrightbus will be overseeing the quality of the assembly.

No information is available on wether the registrations will skip the digit "4" due to it being associated with unfavourable digits in the Asian culture (Tetraphobia).

Enquire Transfer Fee
Vehicle Details
Vehicle No.: SBS7500D
Vehicle Type: H20 - Public Transport Bus/Coach/Minibus
Vehicle Attachment 1: No Attachment
Vehicle Scheme: OmniBus (SBS)
Vehicle Make: VOLVO
Vehicle Model: B9TL
Chassis No.: YV3S4P9229A134477
Engine No.: D9172175
Engine Capacity: 9364 cc
Maximum Laden Weight: 25400 kg
Unladen Weight: 15340 kg
Year Of Manufacture: 2010
Original Registration Date: 13 Sep 2010
Lifespan Expiry Date: 12 Sep 2027
Road Tax Expiry Date: 12 Mar 2011
Inspection Due Date: 12 Sep 2011
Intended Transfer Date: 14 Sep 2010

Expect it out to be on the roads soon.