The following is the company's press release issued on 2nd April 2014
As part of the initiative
to increase bus capacity on longer routes and bring greater comfort to
the commuter’s bus journey experience, SMRT has confirmed the delivery
of over 570 buses. Orders are confirmed for 332 MAN 12-metre buses, 40
MAN articulated buses, and for the first time, a total of 201 ADL
Double Deckers. This is the largest fleet renewal and growth initiative
by SMRT to date, and re-affirms the company’s commitment to offering
commuters the highest standards in safety, reliability, care and
comfort.
A first batch of about 30
buses will be delivered to SMRT’s bus depots in June 2014. The vehicles
will undergo further tests including functional, systems and road tests
before joining SMRT’s existing fleet of over 1,200 buses to serve
commuters from July 2014. SMRT Buses will be introducing the rest of
the fleet progressively till end 2016.
The addition
of the ADL Double Deckers in particular will help ease crowdedness
during peak hours, particularly on longer routes with high passenger
loads. Together with other bus orders, these new vehicles will replace
older bus models, and address the need for more bus trips and better
bus service levels.
Mr. Benny Lim, Senior
Vice President for SMRT Roads said, “We are very excited with this
major fleet expansion and renewal initiative. Expanding our existing
fleet with ADL Double Deckers and MAN buses will enable us to better
address increasingly dynamic road conditions, and ensure enhanced
capacity in handling increased ridership. We look forward to bringing
passengers even more comfortable and reliable rides.”
Of the over 570 buses
that SMRT has confirmed delivery for, 218 are introduced and funded
under SMRT’s participation in the Land Transport Authority’s Bus
Service Enhancement Programme.
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