Remembering The Buses That Brought Me Places

Halo to all.

Merry Christmas to everyone! Once again, tis’ the time to enjoy this festive season in a form of a feast like Thanksgiving, or gifts to be exchanged between your family members and friends, or carolling songs to feel that Christmas spirit. Maybe even make love to…?

Anyway, as much as I do want to savour this season, just like I always did every year, there’s one thing I had to inevitably let go of: The nostalgic old buses of my generation. Just to give you all a heads up, the last few of them will retire by 25 December 2018. Nowadays, I have been taking the opportunity to cherish every ride of such buses, as I know one day, they will fade from the eyes of reality to the medias of memory.

It was thus in this blog, I want to show you the wide diversity of buses that had brought me to many places all around Singapore (Well, MRT Trains as well but you know, nowadays their frequent breakdowns hinder the luxury of joyriding). You’ll also be able to see the modernised change from the buses of the 1990s to the buses of today. Also, you will find out why I despise the newly implemented contracts that had led to the loss of uniqueness and control of public bus companies today, all thanks to ‘They Who Shall Not Be Named’. Lastly, you will see what I envision buses to be in the future.

As such, I will split this blog into 4 segments (The first 2 on the Buses I rode, and the last 2 on my observations of Buses today): ‘SBS Transit’, ‘SMRT’, ‘The Change That Changed Everything’, and ‘What I Wish Buses Could Be In The Future”.

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Formerly known as Singapore Bus Services (SBS), the buses operated by this local company literally made up my journey around Singapore ever since I first stepped foot here. Back in the older days, the buses were only bottom-painted with a simple red line and logo. It was then from 2002 onwards that they were repainted with a beautifully combined red-white-purple horizon-lined livery. Living in Singapore for the past 20 years, I have seen how the buses in SBS Transit have evolved, ranging from design to accessibility for wheelchair passengers.

Here are the buses I rode from this company in chronological order of my first ride, including some of my insights about each of them:

VOLVO OLYMPIAN 2-AXLE

Year Of Service: 1994 - 2013

Plate Number: SBS7198T - SBS7297R

Ride History: Bus 291 (First ride, 1997 - 1998)

Last Ride: Bus 291 (1998)

“This bus model was known as my very first bus (And double decker) ride in Singapore. Taking Bus 291 to Tampines with a view from a higher level gave me a new perspective. As there was no air-conditioner installed, one could just slide the windows to feel the breezy wind as the bus speeds through the streets. Though the downside is, you gotta slide it back when it rains cause’ you know, wetness ensues.”

LEYLAND OLYMPIAN 2-AXLE

Year Of Service: 1986 - 2003

Plate Number: SBS3550K - SBS3571A, SBS6907X - SBS6999E, SBS7113M - SBS7197X

Ride History: Bus 291 (First ride, 1997 - 1998)

Last Ride: Bus 291 (1998)

“Similar to the Volvo Olympian 2-Axle, this bus had no air-conditioner installed. But the difference being was that it had a louder engine and an older interior. Obviously because they were manufactured nearly 10 years before the Volvo Olympian 2-Axle.”

VOLVO OLYMPIAN 3-AXLE

Year Of Service: 1994 - 2017

Plate Number: SBS9200G - SBS9400X (Batch 1), SBS9401T - SBS9600K (Batch 2), SBS9601H - SBS9670H (Batch 3)

Ride History: Bus 65 (First ride, 1998 - 2000), Various (2000 - 2017), Bus 5 (2008 - 2016), Bus 72 (2012 - 2015)

Last Ride: Bus 5 (Batch 1, somewhere around 2011), Bus 5 (Batch 2, SBS9558A on 27 May 2016), Bus 9 (Batch 3, SBS9661J on 9 Oct 2017)

Unique Differences: Batch 1 units had blue seats with an upper deck rear window. Batch 2 & 3 units had red seats with no upper deck rear window. Batch 3 units were upgraded with an electronic display signage in 2010.

“This bus model was my very first air-conditioned double decker bus ride. When I used to live in Bedok, I often ride this on Bus 65 towards Orchard and back. The view was spectacular, especially at night or if it’s Christmas. That’s not all, my family would always bring a Walkman with headset connected. Listening to ABBA while journeying to the city had never been so nostalgic to my ears and eyes. Until now, I still have the habit of staying at the top deck, plugging in my headsets, and admiring the view outside.”

LEYLAND OLYMPIAN 3-AXLE

Year Of Service: 1993 - 2013

Plate Number: SBS9000S - SBS9199C

Ride History: Bus 22 (First ride, 1998 - 2000), Various (2000 - 2013), Bus 72 (2012 - 2013)

Last Ride: Bus 72 (SBS9199C on Jan 2013)

“SBS Transit's very first air-conditioned double decker bus. The obvious differences between this bus and the Volvo Olympian 3-Axle are the exterior engine vents at the back of the bus, as well as a different but more roaring engine sound. Won’t forget those last rides on the year 2012 and 2013 when I journeyed to Nanyang Polytechnic and back on Bus 72.”

VOLVO B10M MARK II

Year Of Service: 1988 - 2008

Plate Number: SBS1696A - SBS1895D

Ride History: Bus 385 (First ride, 1998 - 1999), Various (2001 - 2005)

Last Ride: Couldn’t recall, suspected to be on Bus 34 (Somewhere around 2005)

Unique Differences: Some buses of both the Walter Alexander and Duple Metsec model were converted to become air-conditioned in the 1990s, hence also leading to interior refurbishment.

“I often rode this bus when I used to live at Bedok. I do remember this bus for the Duple Metsec version: Its two humps on the hood. I wonder if the batteries for the fans were installed there.”

SCANIA N113CRB

Year Of Service: 1989 - 2009

Plate Number: SBS31L - SBS80U (Original Aircon), SBS3573U - SBS3722G (Converted/Non-Aircon)

Ride History: Bus 34 (First ride, 1998 - 1999), Bus 290 (2000 - 2001), Various (2001 - 2009), Bus 293 (2001 - 2002), Bus 38 (2002 - 2007), Bus 358 (2008 - 2009)

Last Ride: Bus 358 (2009)

Unique Differences: Some Non-Aircon units were converted to become air-conditioned in the 1990s, hence also leading to interior refurbishment.

“One of the two most common buses I rode between the year 2000 and 2010. Excluding the buses that were already built with an air-conditioner, majority of the ones that weren’t did have the chance of undergoing such an upgrade. It’s end result: An impressive snowy sound-like coolness in the bus interior regardless of day and night. Bonus points for a refurbished beige interior too.”

VOLVO B10M MARK III

Year Of Service: 1992 - 2012

Plate Number: SBS582M - SBS881A

Ride History: Bus 27 (First ride, 1998 - 1999), Various (2000 - 2011), Bus 518 (2002 - 2007), Bus 38 (2002 - 2007), Bus 5 (2008 - 2010), Bus 358 (2008 - 2011)

Last Ride: Bus 358 (2011)

“The other one of the two most common buses I rode between the year 2000 and 2010. I remembered the very first time I rode this bus model on Bus 27; That smooth rhythmic Voith gearbox was satisfactory to hear when revving through the expressway towards Changi Airport.”

VOLVO B10M MARK IV (WALTER ALEXANDER STRIDER)

Year Of Service: 1995 - 2015

Plate Number: SBS1896B - SBS1999M, SBS2593T - SBS2688D

Ride History: Bus 27 (First ride, 1999), Various (1999 - 2015), Bus 518 (2001 - 2007), Bus 5 (2007 - 2015), Bus 72 (2012 - 2014)

Last Ride: Bus 5 (SBS2648U on Feb 2015)

Unique Differences: Underwent interior refurbishment in 2009 to extend its service lifespan by two years.

“With the prominence of the ’Strider’ logo at its front dashboard, this bus was very popular to many bus adventurers including myself for its musical ZF gearbox engine sound. Wait till you see it rev up the engine with a full kickdown and thrash, and you could feel it achieve bus-gasm if you know what I mean.”

VOLVO B10M MARK IV (PSV)

Year Of Service: 1994 - 2011

Plate Number: SBS8019X - SBS8028U

Ride History: Sentosa (First ride, 2000 - 2004)

Last Ride: Sentosa (On 2004)

Unique Differences: Underwent interior refurbishment in 2009 to extend its service lifespan by two years.

“Although initially not SBS-plated, these buses were part of the then-SBS Leisure Fleet, which provided bus services to Sentosa before its drastic island history-ruining upgrade. I still remembered the first time I entered into Sentosa via this bus. I got to see Harbourfront and the now-gone vintage Sentosa boathouse separated by a river of ferries and boats.”

MERCEDES-BENZ O405G

Year Of Service: 1997 - 2006

Plate Number: SBS999U

Ride History: Bus 290 (First ride, 2000 - 2001)

Last Ride: Bus 290 (2001)

“This trial bus model was which I had my very first articulated bus ride. Back when it was on Bus 290, I would always sit at the back of the bus, just to observe the bus bend a curve with its articulated joint. Of course back in the Philippines, there were no such bus types ordered, so seeing and riding on a bendy was an all-new experience. If only SBS Transit approved the use of such buses in the future, I swear it could take a heavy load off passenger demands travelling at a short distance during peak hours.”

VOLVO B10MA

Year Of Service: 1996 - 2006

Plate Number: SBS998Y

Ride History: Bus 290 (First ride, 2000 - 2001)

Last Ride: Bus 290 (2001)

“Just like the Mercedes Benz O405G, I rode this articulated bus at the back. It was great to see the bus bend and turn. Here’s to wondering if SBS Transit will ever consider returning back to the path of articulated buses.”

MERCEDES-BENZ O405

Year Of Service: 1989 - 2011

Plate Number: SBS82P - SBS281R (Walter Alexander model), SBS282D - SBS581R (Duple Metsec Original Aircon model), SBS3723D - SBS3922X (Duple Metsec Converted Aircon model)

Ride History: Bus 28 (First ride, 2001 - 2002), Various (2001 - 2007)

Last Ride: Bus 138 (2007)

Unique Differences: All Non-Aircon units of the Duple Metsec model were converted to become air-conditioned in the 1990s, hence also leading to interior refurbishment.

“Can’t say much about this bus model as I didn’t ride it often, but this bus was infamous for the very very loud engine sound from the inside and outside. If you happen to be outside, I suggest you close your ears like I did.”

DENNIS DART

Year Of Service: 1994 - 2011

Plate Number: SBS8009A - SBS8018Z

Ride History: Bus 42 (2001, 2009)

Last Ride: Bus 42 (2009)

“This bus was as short as a 10-metre minibus, compared to a standard 12-metre rigid bus. Of course, with the downside being lesser seats, this bus could easily go through tight turns within a neighbourhood filled with narrow one-lane roads. Which was the reason why they were only deployed to Bus 42.”

VOLVO B10M MARK IV (DM3500)

Year Of Service: 1997 - present (Retiring in 2018)

Plate Number: SBS2689B - SBS2838M

Ride History: Bus 518 (First ride, 2001 - 2007), Various (2001 - present), Bus 5 (2008 - present), Bus 72 (2012 - 2014), Bus 48 (2017 - present)

Unique Differences: Underwent interior refurbishment in 2009 to extend its service lifespan by two years. Due to good maintenance evaluation in 2017, some units had its service lifespan extended again by one more year.

“The DM3500 was the most beautiful rigid bus I had ever rode. They were also known as the very last high-floor rigid bus model purchased for SBS Transit, hence the last manufactured public buses of my generation. The first time I rode it on Bus 518 in the year 2001, I was impressed of how modernised the interiors were. Felt like as if this bus was manufactured in the year 2010 from the future. With its smooth rhythmic whistling Voith gearbox engine sound, this bus was commonly used to bring people to the city and back, making it feel like a premium-only bus. Passing through Orchard with all those glittering holiday decorations, cruising through avenues and streets with style, and climbing the Benjamin Sheares Bridge just to see that majestic skyline view of downtown Singapore, it’s hard to say farewell to these buses.”

VOLVO B10TL

Year Of Service: 1999 - present (Retiring in 2020)

Plate Number: SBS9800A - SBS9849K, SBS9888Y

Ride History: Bus 28 (First ride, 2001 - 2002), Various (2001 - present), Bus 5 (2011 - present)

Unique Differences: All buses were upgraded with an electronic display signage in 2012.

“The B10TL, also known as the Volvo Super Olympian, was the most beautiful double decker bus I had ever rode. Also my very first low-floor double decker bus ride. Just like the DM3500, this bus’s exterior and interior felt like as if this bus was manufactured in the year 2010 from the future. Moreover, I love that the seats were shaped in the most comfortable way possible, so you could have a seamless peaceful sleep if you were to travel at a long distance.”

VOLVO B10M MARK IV (DUPLE METSEC)

Year Of Service: 1995 - 2015

Plate Number: SBS882Y - SBS996C

Ride History: Bus 9 (First ride, 2002 - 2007), Various (2002 - 2014), Bus 518 (2003 - 2007)

Last Ride: Bus 72 (SBS985J on Nov 2014)

Unique Differences: Underwent interior refurbishment in 2009 to extend its service lifespan by two years.

“Got my first ride on this bus model when I shifted to a condominium in Simei. First thing I saw was that it looked nearly similar to the Volvo B10M Mark III, but with a more slick and greyish interior, and a much more musical engine too.”

SCANIA L94UB

Year Of Service: 1999 - 2016

Plate Number: SBS2888T

Ride History: Bus 518 (First ride, 2003 - 2005)

Last Ride: Bus 518 (2005)

“My very first low-floor rigid bus ride. This trial bus model was only seen on Bus 518. While I couldn’t recall how the engine sounded, I remembered this bus utilizing electronic display signage to show its routes unlike the traditional plastic signage used in older buses. Some of the designs and specifications of this bus model would then be carried over to the Scania K230UB, which was mass-produced between the year 2007 and 2009.”

VOLVO B9TL (CDGE)

Year Of Service: 2006 - present (Retiring in 2023)

Plate Number: SBS7300P - SBS7499A

Ride History: Bus 2 (First ride, 2009 - 2016), Various (2009 - present), Bus 72 (2012 - 2015), Bus 5 (2016 - present)

Unique Differences: All buses were upgraded with an electronic display signage in 2011.

“This bus model was known to have achieved a couple of firsts: The first locally-designed bus for public transport, and also the first wheelchair-accessible bus. Even though I felt like the combined colours of the interior and seats were uncomplimentary, the fact that SBS Transit brought about wheelchair-accessibility is a nod to ushering in a new generation of buses.”

SCANIA K230UB

Year Of Service: 2007 - present (Retiring in 2027)

Plate Number: SBS8033D - SBS8561X (Euro IV Batch), SBS8562T - SBS8999S & SBS5001R - SBS5252H (Euro V Batch)

Ride History: Bus 5 (First ride, 2009 - present), Various (2009 - present)

Unique Differences: Demonstrator unit had a purple interior compared to the standard brown interior. Electronic display signage and air-con design differs between the Euro IV and Euro V Batch.

“With its design inspired by the Scania L94UB, this bus had multiple setbacks that turned me off: Drastic reduction of seats just to make space for wheelchair passengers. dull interior colour (Should’ve used purple just like the demonstrator unit instead of brown), and a very loud radiator. Nonetheless, this bus had some perks worth mentioning: A musical ZF gearbox engine with thrashes and kickdowns as great as the B10M Strider, and higher level seats especially at the rear of the bus.”

VOLVO B9TL (WEG)

Year Of Service: 2010 - present (Retiring unknown as production is still ongoing)

Plate Number: SBS7500D - SBS7729L (Batch 1), SBS3000G - SBS3329J (Batch 2), SBS3330D - SBS3448Z & SBS3600A - SBS3986L (Batch 3), SBS1Z - SBS23K & SBS3449X - SBS3523P (Batch 4)

Ride History: Bus 5 (First ride, 2010 - present), Various (2012 - present)

“The pinnacle of SBS Transit’s bus modernisation. A bus capable of carrying a heavy load of passengers. A bus with a slick beige interior, orange seats, and glittering floors. A bus which influenced a bigger mass-production to reduce the frequencies of waiting. This B9TL model is what you’ll see commonly roam the roads in Singapore today daily. When I first rode this bus model in the year 2010 on Bus 5, I was enthusiastic to embrace the new evolution of buses. Heck, it was enough for me to take videos or pictures whenever I own the whole top deck to myself.”

MERCEDES-BENZ O530

Year Of Service: 2011 - present (Retiring unknown as production is still ongoing)

Plate Number: SBS6000L - SBS6341C (Batch 1), SBS6342A - SBS6508P & SBS6600E - SBS6893B (Batch 2), SBS2000M - SBS2004C & SBS6509L - SBS6599B (Batch 3)

Ride History: Bus 53 (First ride, 2012 - 2013), Various (2013 - present), Bus 5 (2013 - present)

“Also known as the Citaro, the Mercedes-Benz O530 was the successor to the Mercedes-Benz O405. Its beautiful interior made me think this bus was manufactured in the year 2020 from the future. Better not forget its sporty-like exterior too. Also, one could listen to the sounds of a racing car once the bus speeds up its Voith engine. Now if only SBS Transit could purchase the articulated version of this bus model.”

There are some buses that I have yet to ride, either because they were either already retired or sold out, or they are exclusively stationed at bus depots far away that I have no opportunity to ride them. You can look more into them via Google or Youtube by typing these bus names out:

- Dennis Trident

- MAN 18.240

- Sunlong SLK6121UF14H

- Volvo B5RLE

- Volvo B10BLE
- Volvo B10M Superlong

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Although I don’t often ride buses operated by this company, I still could remember their orange wheels, and white-yellow-orange stripe-lined livery when they were known as Trans Island Bus Services (TIBS). It was then from 2004 onwards that their buses were repainted with a livery similar to the old SBS buses. Such a change was done due to their merger with SMRT, which was at that time only operating Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) trains. Unlike SBS Transit, which relied on double decker buses to make up for passenger demand, SMRT relied on articulated buses, better known as ‘bendies’.

Here are the buses I rode from this company in chronological order of my first ride, including some of my insights about each of them:

MERCEDES-BENZ O405

Year Of Service: 1994 - 2016

Plate Number: TIB425R - TIB561E, TIB572Z - TIB634D, TIB798P - TIB832Z (Original Aircon), TIB725A - TIB797S (Converted Aircon)

Ride History: Bus 961 (First ride, 2000 - 2002)

Last Ride: Bus 961 (2002)

Unique Differences: All Non-Aircon units were converted to become air-conditioned. Some received an electronic display signage update and underwent interior refurbishment to extend its service lifespan by two years.

“My very first bus ride on a SMRT-operated bus model. Unlike the SBS Transit’s O405, this SMRT counterpart had an electronic display signage displayed at the front and side, rather than a plastic signage. In addition, the seats were designed to feel smooth like silk. Quite high-tech for a 1990s generation bus. I still remembered riding this bus model on Bus 961 around City Hall back when the roads were not jammed like crazy.”

SCANIA L113CRL (WALTER ALEXANDER STRIDER)

Year Of Service: 1995 - 2014

Plate Number: TIB562C - TIB571B, TIB635B - TIB674M

Ride History: Bus 961 (First ride, 2000 - 2002)

Last Ride: Bus 961 (2002)

Unique Differences: Some received an electronic display signage update and underwent interior refurbishment to extend its service lifespan by two years.

“Just like the SBS Transit’s Volvo Strider, this Scania Strider looks and sounds similar to the SBS Transit counterpart. Sad thing was that I didn’t had the chance to ride it much.”

MERCEDES-BENZ O405G MARK I

Year Of Service: 1996 - 2015

Plate Number: TIB838H, TIB849B - TIB904A

Ride History: Couldn’t remember first ride

Last Ride: Couldn’t remember

Unique Differences: Received an electronic display signage update and underwent interior refurbishment to extend its service lifespan by two years.

“SMRT’s very first articulated bus model. I observed a lot of it bending and bouncing its way around Tampines on Bus 67 and 969. Strange thing was that I couldn’t recall when was the first or last time riding it.”

MERCEDES-BENZ O405G MARK II

Year Of Service: 2000 - 2017

Plate Number: TIB973A - TIB1001Z

Ride History: Couldn’t remember first ride

Last Ride: Bus 969 (TIB975U on Apr 2016)

Unique Differences: Received an electronic display signage update and underwent interior refurbishment to extend its service lifespan by two years.

“The interiors of this bus looked similar to the Mark I version. This time though, the front and rear exterior were significantly different. Won’t forget my last ride of this bus model on Bus 969 when I was on my way to Yishun to settle some errands.”

MERCEDES-BENZ O405G VOLGREN

Year Of Service: 2000 - present (Retiring in 2019)

Plate Number: TIB1024H, TIB1178Y - TIB1197S

Ride History: Couldn’t remember first ride, Bus 169 (2015 - 2016)

Unique Differences: Received an electronic display signage update and underwent interior refurbishment to extend its service lifespan by two years.

“Didn’t ride this bus model much but nevertheless, they were much more rare to see than the other O405G versions.”

MERCEDES-BENZ O405G HABIT

Year Of Service: 2000 - present (Retiring in 2021)

Plate Number: TIB1019Z - TIB1023K & TIB1025E - TIB1147L (Euro I Batch), TIB1148J - TIB1177A & TIB1198P - TIB1247G (Euro II Batch)

Ride History: Couldn’t remember first ride, Bus 169 (2015 - 2016), Bus 969 (2016 - present)

Unique Differences: Received an electronic display signage update and underwent interior refurbishment to extend its service lifespan by two years. Due to good maintenance evaluation in 2017, some units had its service lifespan extended by one more year.

“Compared to the Mark I, Mark II, and Volgren version, the Habit’s interior and exterior had a much more modernised and slick design. Like as if it was manufactured in the year 2010 from the future. You’d especially appreciate the ones fitted in with a ZF gearbox engine. Once the bus goes on turbo mode, prepare to feel the ‘music’ in your ears.”

MAN NL323F

Year Of Service: 2010 - present (Retiring unknown as production is still ongoing)

Plate Number: SMB189A - SMB354P & SMB3001M - SMB3034T (Batch 1), SMB1301K - SMB1420A & SMB3035R - SMB3116R (Batch 2), SMB1421Y - SMB1650C & SMB3117M - SMB3169M (Batch 3)

Ride History: Bus 950 (First ride, 2013), Various (2015 - present), Bus 169 (2015 - 2016), Bus 969 (2016 - present)

Unique Differences: Batch 1 units maximised possible number of seats. Batch 2 & 3 units had lesser seats for more available standing space. Some buses were repainted with the old SMRT livery, while some were repainted with the new SMRT pixel livery.

“Had my first ride of this bus model on Bus 950, when I was making my way toward Malaysia. The greyish interior complemented well with the blue and purple seats. Unlike the Mercedes Benz O530 and Scania K230UB, the MAN NL323F was impressively designed to allocate seats on every possible space available, leaving a very small corner for wheelchair users. Moreover, you gotta listen to the bus’s ZF gearbox engine fitted only to the first batch of units. They may not be musical, but they rev up like a bullet train.”

ALEXANDER DENNIS ENVIRO

Year Of Service: 2014 - present (Retiring unknown as production is still ongoing)

Plate Number: SMB3501L - SMB3616P, SMB5001A - SMB5085H

Ride History: Bus 169 (First ride on SMB3540Z, 2015 - 2016), Bus 969 (2016 - present)

“SMRT’s very first double decker bus model. The interiors were coloured just like the MAN NL323F. Also, it’s ‘Door Closing’ chime was similar to that of the 90s generation SBS Transit buses. Although the rails and handle bars of this bus tend to shake with noise, the Enviro nonetheless could carry a heavy load of passengers on a daily basis.”

MERCEDES-BENZ OC500LE

Year Of Service: 2006 - present (Retiring in 2026)

Plate Number: SMB1H - SMB134H

Ride History: Bus 980 (First ride on SMB100E, 2015)

“So far I had only rode the OC500LE once. Engines sound similar to the Mercedes Benz O405 inside or outside. But, just like its Scania K230UB counterpart, this bus lacked seats just to make up space for wheelchair users.”

MAN ND323F

Year Of Service: 2014 - present (Retiring unknown as production is still ongoing)

Plate Number: SMB5888H - SMB5904U (Batch 1), SMB5740C - SMB5799J (Batch 2), SMB5800M - SMB5829G (Batch 3)

Ride History: Bus 969 (First ride on SMB5894P, 2016 - present), Various (2017 - present)

Unique Differences: Some Batch 2 & all Batch 3 units have USB ports meant to charge electrical devices like laptops and smartphones.

“Definitely one of the most beautiful double decker bus I had ever rode (Still does not beat my Volvo B10TL though.). What made me think this bus was manufactured in the year 2020 from the future? Its very quiet engine that could let you easily sleep on long journeys, and also USB ports (Found in some second and all third batch of units.) that you could use to charge your smartphone. With all these tech conveniences, they could naturally be implemented to the next generation of buses in Singapore within the coming years or so.”

There are some buses that I have yet to ride, either because they were either already retired or sold out, or they are exclusively stationed at bus depots far away that I have no opportunity to ride them. You can look more into them via Google or Youtube by typing these bus names out:

- DAF SB220

- Dennis Lance

- Hino HS3KRK

- MAN NG363F

- Mercedes-Benz O530

- Nissan Diesel U31

- Scania L113CRL (ELBO)

- Yutong ZK6126HGC

- Zhongtong Sunny LCK6121GHEV

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THE CHANGE THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING

Riding buses had been my hobby ever since I first stepped into Singapore. I had seen buses from different generations come and go. Nevertheless, I appreciate and love the evolution of buses as years progressed through.

Then came the year 2016. When. Everything. Changed.

A transport authority known as ‘They Who Shall Not Be Named’ took over and oversaw all operations and orders of both SBS Transit and SMRT buses. What was the first thing they did? Turn bus interchanges from different regions into a bidding competition. End result? Both SBS Transit and SMRT lost control of some of their bus interchanges & depots in the east and west respectively, to a bunch of no-naming overseas bus companies. Below are images of the buses that they have ‘stolen’ from both SBS Transit and SMRT by the time they started operations.

Some of you may wonder. Why the heck are some of the buses repainted to ridiculous green? Well. You’ll find out on the next thing they did: By the time the bidding and tender of bus interchanges came to a close, they then created a poll on a ‘new’ look of today’s buses: A plain repaint of Red VS Green. Obviously you know which won by the images you already saw above this paragraph. Anyway, here’s a video of how the polling was done if you are curious.

And then here was the third thing they did: Replace SBS and SMRT-registered bus plates with SG-registered ones for subsequent bus orders, regardless of bus company. To me, this plus the ridiculous ‘SG(Heart)Bus’ green livery plus overseas bus companies ‘stealing’ buses equals to the loss of uniqueness and exclusivity the local bus companies once had. Not just that, their livery forced both SBS Transit and SMRT to minimise their very bus company logo to near the wheels, and even ’steal’ buses from each other. If you can’t visualise, you can take a look at the images below.

What started with the Volvo B9TL and Mercedes-Benz O530 only ordered for SBS Transit ended up being used by SMRT and the ridiculous overseas bus companies as well. Same thing applies to the MAN ND323F and NL323F for SMRT, and et cetera. Oh that’s not all. Here’s the forth thing they did: Screwing up advertisements on buses. Last time, buses were periodically added with advertisements that cover the entire bus body. To add on, some were decorated with props or boards at the top of the bus, which was cool and creative. And some were added with illuminated ads that shine bright in the night, which kinda had a skyline feel.

Here are the images of buses with advertisements before 2016:

And here are the images of buses with advertisements from 2016 till present:

Bloody hell. Going two-thirds was the laziest thing they had ever done. They even screwed up the general appearance of the buses. Moving on to the fifth thing they did, and this could be my own theory: Making no more intentions to preserve the old buses I used to ride. Looking back, both SBS Transit and SMRT made an effort to keep the retiring buses alive. SBS Transit delivered some of their Mercedes Benz O405s to Thailand, sent their last Leyland Olympian 3-Axle back to England for preservation, and donated some Volvo Olympian 2-Axles and B10M Mark IVs for local community events. On the other hand, SMRT transferred some of their Dennis Lances to local shuttle bus services after retiring from revenue service. By the time 2016 kicked in, I see that there were no longer any signs of buses being preserved, as seen in this video.

I am deeply disappointed on the takeover by ‘They Who Shall Not Be Named’. They effed up big time on Singapore’s bus culture and lore. Who knows, maybe in the years ahead, a hero will rise to revert the effects that they had done, and I could finally rid myself of this ridiculousness.

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MY WISH FOR BUSES IN THE FUTURE

As a vivid bus adventurer, I always had the tendency to fantasise what buses could be in the future. If I had the freedom to control the fate of public buses in Singapore, lets say from the year 2025 onwards, these are the things I had in mind:

1) GET RID OF THOSE RIDICULOUS OVERSEAS BUS COMPANIES

Secretly, I wanted these green buses operated by those ridiculous overseas bus companies to become scrap metal (Good thing there was no passenger aboard this bus though. Their safety over this damned bus’s condition). Here’s to dreaming that they get kicked out of this place.

2) DITCH BUSES WITH SG PLATES & SELL THEM TO DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

I don’t need these buses to get renumbered to an SBS or SMB plate. Just sell them away to countries that are currently making progress to becoming a developed nation. They deserve to get a feel of modernised buses seen in Singapore today.

3) MAXIMIZE SEATS ON RIGID BUSES & MAKE SEATS HIGH-FLOORED

There’s two things that rigid buses had to severely sacrifice when they convert from a high-floor to a low-floor bus: Seats and the view. Even though low-floor units were produced to make accessibility for wheelchair passengers, this caused the seats especially at the front and middle to be at the very bottom of the bus chassis. Children would have to stand up on the seat just to take a view outside the bus. So, if you refer to the image above, between Singapore’s Scania K230UB Demonstator (Left) and Germany’s Mercedes Benz Citaro C2 ü (Right), I would manufacture rigid buses based on the latter. Have every available space to be filled with high-floored seats and leave one small space beside the exit door for wheelchair passengers.

4) ABANDON COMPUTERIZED ROUTE ADHERENCE SYSTEM

In simple words, this system was used to make sure that bus captains do not drive the bus too fast nor too slow, otherwise there will be no bonus to their salaries. To be honest, this system implemented by ‘They Who Shall Not Be Named’ is nonsensical. I for one thing know that when travelling through the roads, expect the unexpected, like road accidents and jams. Obviously, this will slow a bus down and likely bunch up with the next bus behind it. Hence, this 'snowballing' effect will create a problematic longer loading of more passengers at the bus stops ahead, or even skipping past them due to buses being fully taken. To conclude, let buses bring people to places without being such a turtle (No offence to them though).

5) REMOVE SPEED LIMITER

“Speed. I am speed.” Refer to the Cars movie franchise if you want to look this quote up. But anyway, there shouldn’t be speed limiters installed on buses. To me, 60km/h is slow on expressways, and vehicles and even buses behind the bus’s lane will get slowed down. So, why not revert it back to the original 80km/h. If coach buses can average a speed like this, so can public buses.

6) MORE LONG-DISTANCE ROUTES

Although there are multiple buses already introduced for long-distance travelling like express bus services, some have yet to be implemented on certain regions. For example, there’s currently no bus services from the towns of the far west to Changi Airport, which is located at the far east. Rather than frustratingly take an MRT train from the west and make 30 station stops on the way to the airport, why not take an express bus that can bypass almost all of them.

7) PRESERVE BUSES FOR A BUS MUSEUM

Instead of scrapping the entire fleet of buses out of their existence, why not save a few for a bus museum. Let’s be real. No bus adventurer want their bus rides to fade into a memory (Or in a form of pictures and videos). Putting these retired buses on display is worthy of appreciating the lore and history of buses in Singapore. Heck, I’d even make them remain operational for a bus tour when needed.

8) UTILIZE A HYBRIDIZED PLASTIC & ELECTRONIC DISPLAY SIGNAGE

While electronic display signages showcase how far buses have evolved with technology, they can fail on you unexpectedly. So, why not bring back a traditional way of showcasing bus routes: Plastic signages. Here’s my concept: Plastic signages used for bus numbers, with its background colour distinguishing the service type (E.g. Red for trunk, green for intratown, blue for express etc), with electronic display signages used for displaying destinations. Now that’s what I call ‘Transcending Generations’.

9) LESS FARE CHARGES, ESPECIALLY ON SPECIAL SERVICES

Less fare, more rides. One does not need to make frequent visits to the ticketing machine just to top-up their EZ-Link cards. Applies to premium service bus services as well (Buses heading to and from business districts via expressways during peak hours). Instead of a hefty one-trip $5 fare, why not an affordable $2. Passengers who want to save up their money won’t always need to rely on MRT trains, and implementing this reduced bus fare could save up a huge load in MRT trains throughout the day.

10) INCREASE DIVERSITY OF BUSES, JUST LIKE THE OLD DAYS
Even though buses have been evolving inside and outside through the years, I still felt like mass-producing the same bus model to a much larger quantity makes it all the more too common or stale. To not make it complex, let's just compare between the SBS Transit buses of my generation to the SBS Transit buses of today.

In my generation, you'd see:

- 200 Leyland Olympians
- 700 Mercedes-Benz O405s (Consisting of 2 different bus chassis)
- 200 Scania N113CRBs
- 200 Volvo B10M Mark IIs (Consisting of 2 different bus chassis)
- 300 Volvo B10M Mark IIIs
- 475 Volvo B10M Mark IVs (Consisting of 4 different bus chassis)
- 470 Volvo Olympians

Today, you'd see:

- 1000 Mercedes-Benz O530s
- 1000 Scania K230UBs (Only air-conditioners differ as seen in the image above)
- 1200 Volvo B9TLs (Consisting of 2 different bus chassis)

See the difference? An increase in bus quantity, but also a decrease in bus diversity. In order to rectify this, more bus models at uniformed amounts (Maybe about 300 of the same chassis.) should be introduced. To add alongside today's buses, I'd suggest these bus models:

ALEXANDER DENNIS ENVIRO (UPDATED DOUBLE DECKER BODYWORK)

MAN A95 (UPDATED DOUBLE DECKER BODYWORK)

MERCEDES-BENZ O530 C2 (RIGID & ARTICULATED)

SCANIA CITYWIDE (RIGID, ARTICULATED & DOUBLE DECKER)

SOLARIS URBINO (RIGID & ARTICULATED)

VOLVO 7900 HYBRID (RIGID & ARTICULATED)

VOLVO B8 (RIGID, ARTICULATED & DOUBLE DECKER)

I'll leave this rectification to SBS Transit only as articulated buses deserve a return to this company. Or maybe they should take over all public bus operations whilst SMRT take over all mass rapid train operations. Let each company focus on one form of transport rather than both. Perhaps such a change could help reduce the pressure of managing them, especially trains due to their frequent breakdowns.

(Image & Video Credit goes to: http://www.sgbuses.com/, http://gakei.com/sgb/sgb.htm, http://landtransportguru.net/, http://businterchange.net/busphoto/, https://www.youtube.com/user/glitchFan2428)

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Riding buses had been and always will be a hobby of mine. It's not just about going inside and then take a seat. It's about savouring the view you see as you travel. It's about feeling and hearing the engine create its own music. It's about becoming one with the bus itself. Scrap what I just said in the previous sentence.

Anyway, I wish you all Merry Christmas. Hope you all enjoy the festive spirit that stretches out the whole of December. Till then, see you starside.

"Life is full of highlights and lowlights. But what matters more is how you want to live it out."