- Commuters will soon be able to charge their mobile devices on the go. Ten new MAN A95 double-decker buses, featuring USB charging ports will hit our roads on 1 September 2016. These ten new double-decker buses are the first in Singapore to offer commuter the convenience of being able to charge their phones and other mobile devices during their bus journeys.
- These ten buses will be run by Public Transport Operator, SMRT, and will be deployed to five SMRT bus services – Service 61 from Bukit Batok Bus Interchange, Services 67 and 985 from Choa Chu Kang Bus Interchange and Services 963 and 969 from Woodlands Temporary Bus Interchange[1]. LTA will progressively roll out an additional 137 buses with USB charging ports from October 2016 onwards.
- Each bus will have 41 USB charging ports which are located near the inner seats to encourage commuters to move in and ensure all seats are well utilised. Ports will also be made available at the wheelchair bay on board the wheelchair accessible buses. The addition of USB charging ports to buses will not affect the overall operations of the buses and commuters will not incur any additional cost for the use of the ports.
- Buses featuring USB charging ports were first showcased to the public at the inaugural Bus Carnival that was organised by LTA earlier this year. Two concept buses with various features were displayed to garner public feedback on features commuters would like to see in public buses in the future. A total of 22,000 responses were garnered on the different features, with 72% of respondents keen on having USB charging ports in buses. Other notable suggestions from respondents includes passenger information systems and allowing open prams and strollers on buses. LTA will incorporate more features, as chosen by the public, in future bus buys.
- LTA Group Director Public Transport, Mr Yeo Teck Guan said: “The introduction of the USB charging ports to new public buses is part of the review and upgrade in the design of public buses in Singapore. Other interior features that could feature in future public buses include information display panels, better seat comfort, lightings, and foldable seats. These features aim to provide more comfort and more flexibility in the utilisation of space within the buses and will enhance commuter experience. This is a crucial part of making public transport in Singapore the choice mode of transport as we move to a car-lite society.”
- SMRT Buses Managing Director, Mr Tan Kian Heong said: “SMRT is delighted to be the first operator in Singapore to put into service buses that feature USB charging ports. Commuters will find it very convenient being able to charge their phones and other mobile devices on their journeys. This new feature complements the efforts that SMRT has put in place to enhance commuters’ travel experience and to integrate mobile technology and enhance connectivity in public buses in Singapore following the trial of Wi-Fi on buses that began in April 2016.”
[1] The buses may from time to time be redeployed to other services.
