ST Engineering has announced that it has been awarded contracts totaling over $175 million by the Singapore Land Transport Authority (LTA) to upgrade Singapore’s public bus system. The modernization effort will encompass the entire fleet of approximately 5,800 buses and aims to enhance the travel experience and operational efficiency across the board.

Set to commence in the second quarter of 2024, with completion expected by 2027, the project will focus on key technological advancements. These include upgrades to the fleet management system, fare collection, and the power and communications systems.

The centerpiece of this initiative is the introduction of a new Bus Fleet Management System (BFMS), which will incorporate advanced technology to streamline fleet monitoring and service operations island-wide. This system is designed to support Singapore’s shift towards an environmentally friendly public bus fleet, including integration with electric bus and charging infrastructure. The cloud-based architecture of the new BFMS promises enhanced agility and reliability, positioning it to support future technological improvements.

In addition to the BFMS, the upgrade extends to the fare collection equipment on buses. The new system will take advantage of 5G technology to expedite fare transactions, making the process smoother and faster for commuters. It will also consolidate multiple displays into a single unified interface for bus captains, thereby boosting operational efficiency and focusing more on road safety.

Furthermore, the overhaul includes the installation of new central junction boxes to better manage power and signal distribution, along with a 5G-enabled bus transmitter system for more efficient data exchanges between buses and backend systems.

“Our expertise in advanced fleet management and fare collection systems, along with our proven track record in major transportation projects, positions us well for this infrastructure modernization initiative,” said Chew Men Leong, President, Urban Solutions, ST Engineering.

“The technology upgrade will not only enhance system connectivity and functionality that benefits commuters and the transport ecosystem but will also pave the way for future innovations in commuter travel.”

ST Engineering Urban Solutions has been a pivotal technology provider for Singapore’s bus fleet management since 2014 and, along with its consortium partner Trapeze Group, has equipped over 90 cities globally with integrated Smart Mobility solutions. This project further cements its role in enhancing urban transport systems worldwide.