Sengkang West bus depot will be the first multi-storey bus depot
to support large-scale deployment of electric buses
Ten more electric buses will commence passenger service from December 2024. They will be deployed on bus services 86, 107 and 159, and use the charging infrastructure at the new Sengkang West Bus Depot. This brings the total number of electric buses deployed for passenger service to 70.
2 These 10 three-door single-deck electric buses are equipped with new features for safer and inclusive journeys.
i. Camera mirror systems with high-definition camera and interior displays in place of bus side mirrors. The real-time video feed from these cameras provides bus captains with a wider and clearer field of view, minimises blind spots and improves visibility in low light and adverse weather conditions.
ii. Automated boarding ramps made from durable materials such as aluminium alloy. These ramps, which can be deployed by the bus captain from the middle door of the bus, are equipped with sensors which detect obstacles and align with the kerb for smoother deployment. These ramps will be deployed for wheelchair users and personal mobility aid users.
3 Similar to existing electric buses, these new electric buses are also equipped with passenger information display systems, to provide commuters with audio and visual updates of upcoming bus stops and destinations.
LTA on track to electrify half of public bus fleet by 2030
4 The 10 electric buses are the first of 360 electric buses bought by LTA in November 2023 from BYD (Singapore) Pte Ltd (BYD) and Cycle & Carriage Automotive to replace diesel buses that are reaching the end of their statutory lifespan. LTA subsequently exercised an option under BYD’s contract to procure an additional 60 electric buses, bringing the total to 420.
5 In line with our target of a 100% cleaner energy public bus fleet by 2040, LTA aims to electrify half of our public bus fleet by 2030. To achieve this target, LTA will be procuring more than 2,000 electric buses over the next five years.
First multi-storey bus depot with large scale, high-powered chargers and integrated with staff quarters
6 Sengkang West bus depot is LTA’s first multi-storey bus depot designed with large-scale, high-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging systems. The five-storey bus depot can accommodate a fleet of 500 electric and diesel/hybrid buses. It also houses an operations control centre, maintenance facilities, a staff canteen, and a lounge for bus captains.
7 LTA handed over the bus depot to SBS Transit (SBST) in August 2024. SBST is currently preparing the bus depot for operations in early 2025. In line with environmental sustainability efforts, the depot will feature green roofs, solar photovoltaic systems and rainwater recycling systems. Sengkang West bus depot has been awarded the BCA’s Green Mark Platinum certificate.
8 To support the deployment of electric buses, Sengkang West bus depot will be fitted with 240 EV chargers. Each of these chargers provide up to 360kW of power, allowing for single-deck buses to be fully charged in less than 1.5 hours. These chargers are equipped with smart charging functions to optimise charging speed and efficiency, with real-time monitoring, control and diagnostic capabilities.
9 The depot will also include on-site staff quarters that provide accommodation for transport workers, including bus captains. The eight-storey staff quarters comprise 39 apartment units that can accommodate up to 350 beds. Each apartment has ensuite toilets, a kitchen, and a yard. Staff will also have access to recreational facilities such as a TV room and a multi-purpose hall within the premises.