1.
Commuters can look forwarding
to riding on Southeast Asia’s first full low floor, easy access bus –
the
Euro 5 Mercedes-Benz Citaro O530. This new bus is also greener due to
its
greater fuel efficiency. It will be put on the road for a one-year
trial
starting 16 March 2010 and will ply various trunk and feeder service
routes.
Passengers are welcome to give their feedback to SMRT.
2. The
Citaro’s unique low floor feature
is made possible because of its smaller rear, side-mounted engine.
This,
combined with a lighter bus weight, has enhanced fuel efficiency,
making
it an even more environmentally-friendly bus. Being a Euro 5 bus, the
Citaro
O530 meets higher emission standards, with 42 per cent less harmful
nitrous
oxide pollutants in compared to Euro 4 buses. The Citaro also has full
side kneeling capability – 240mm at the front door and rear doors –
allowing
for smooth passenger entry and exit.
3. Vice
President, SMRT Buses Ms Kang Huey
Ling shared: “SMRT is constantly finding ways to improve commuter
experience.
We work with manufacturers to bring in vehicles that are best-in-class
to suit our customers’ needs. Since we launched Southeast Asia’s first
Euro 5 wheelchair accessible bus in April 2008, we have received
positive
feedback from commuters, and also suggestions on how their travel
experience
can be improved. With this new bus and its fully low floor, it will
allow
passengers like the elderly easier access to seats at the back of the
bus,
thus ensuring smoother passenger flow. We hope this will make our
commuters’
journey more enjoyable.”
4. The
Citaro bus was unveiled in a ceremony
this afternoon at SMRT Ang Mo Kio Depot, when it was handed over to
SMRT
President & CEO Ms Saw Phaik Hwa by Daimler Bus (Germany)
Executive
Managing Director Mr Michael Gopfarth. The event was graced by guests
from
Mercedes-Benz, Cycle and Carriage, Friends of SMRT and green
organizations
such as the National Environment Agency.
5. SMRT
welcomes feedback from passengers
on the new Citaro bus at www.smrt.com.sg/citaro.
