Singapore deploys 660 electric buses, trials AI traffic lights

Caption language: en · Fetched: 2026-11-05

660 new electric buses will roll out progressively from the end of the year. They'll have new features to make rides safer and more comfortable. The deployment is a step forward in making half of Singapore's public bus fleet electric by 2030. Charlotte Lim hops on board for a closer look. It will be easier for commuters to get on and off these new buses. There are no steps along the main passageway, making the rides more accessible, especially for seniors and those with mobility needs. On the double deck buses, these new staircase lightings will help inform passengers when it's safe to use the stairs. When it's lit up in green like this, it means that the bus is stationary, so it's safe to use them. But when it turns red, it means that the bus is moving, so it's best that passengers avoid using them.

Bus captains will be supported by an advanced driver assistance system with surround view cameras, collision warnings, and anti- fatigue monitoring for safer driving. New displays at the back of the buses will also alert other road users when the bus is stopping or moving off. These alerts will be activated from 2027. Beyond being greener and cleaner, these buses are designed to provide safer, more accessible, and comfortable journeys for our commuters. The buses are also equipped with new features such as improved batteries that allow the buses to travel longer distance between charges. >> The aim is for all public buses to run on cleaner energy by 2040. Your next commute could soon be smoother as more AI powered traffic lights are set to be trialled across western Singapore.

By next year, 60 traffic lights will be equipped with technology that adjust signal timings in real time to ease congestion. It's one of several smart transport solutions showcased at Singapore Urban Mobility Week. Cordial Limit reports. AI powered traffic lights could cut delays at road junctions by up to 25%. That means smoother journeys for motorists as cameras and sensors monitor traffic flow, pedestrian movements, and congestion in real time. The system then calibrates the most efficient traffic signal timings to keep vehicles moving and reduce waiting times.

We've been running a pilot uh in Singapore uh for a number of years now and uh we are continuously taking in information and data uh in real life uh day and night rain shine and uh the results have actually proven to be quite uh interesting and uh helpful and we're quite positive about uh expanding this uh beyond just a pilot stage into uh a larger setup. SC engineering, which developed the system, isn't stopping at the roads. It's also coming up with solutions to make train journeys safer and more seamless. Tapping new technology to manage fleets of autonomous vehicles. Over at SPS Transit, the public transport operator is also pushing to embrace new solutions. Technology is taking center stage here, and I'm about to try out this driving simulator introduced just this year to help drivers sharpen their skills.

It offers an immersive training experience while incorporating the requirements of an official driving test all without having to hit the road. The firm says it's a timely move as augmented virtual and mixed realities open up new possibilities for training. >> In addition uh to our bus captains being trained on real buses on the road, now we have them undergo simulation training and it helps them to be more safe and also how they can demonstrate exemplary uh customer service. Now it's up to their time. We can schedule them to have such training. >> And it's not just bus captains getting a high tech boost. SBS Transit is also tapping AI to monitor their train fleet condition while robotic docks inspect trains and patrol depots. The goal is achieving smarter maintenance, greater efficiency, and safer journeys.