Singapore is hitting the accelerator on its sustainability journey and transforming the daily commute for everyone. The Land Transport Authority is driving a major shift under the Singapore Green Plan 2030 to replace noisy diesel engines with a silent and powerful electric revolution. This initiative is not merely about changing the type of fuel we use but represents a fundamental upgrade to our national infrastructure and the quality of life for all Singaporeans.

The Race To 2030

The immediate mission is ambitious and clear. The authority aims to have electric buses make up exactly half of the public bus fleet by the year 2030. To achieve this significant milestone, the Land Transport Authority called a massive tender in March, which officially closed on June 26. This procurement involves 660 brand-new electric vehicles that will transform the look and feel of our roads.

The order is substantial and specific. It comprises 360 single-deck buses and 300 double-deckers. A key feature for the daily commuter is that both models will feature a three-door design. This layout is engineered to speed up passenger flow and reduce the time buses spend waiting at stops. You can expect these futuristic rides to be delivered progressively and to be fully operational by the end of 2027.

A Cleaner Vision for 2040

The ambition extends far beyond the current decade. The ultimate destination is a public bus fleet running on 100% cleaner energy by 2040. The authority has announced plans to procure an additional 2000 electric buses in the next 5 years to replace the remaining diesel models. This massive overhaul ensures that the air in our dense city centres becomes cleaner and our neighbourhoods become significantly quieter without the rumble of heavy engines.

Smart Tech for a Smart Nation

Supporting this massive fleet requires a complete upgrade of our national infrastructure. We are moving beyond simple petrol pumps to advanced technology. New facilities like the Sengkang West depot are being built with high powered charging systems and smart software. These smart depots manage energy efficiently to keep the buses running all day while maintaining battery health.

Additionally, the new electric buses come equipped with a suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems that act like a second pair of eyes. This technology uses a network of smart sensors and cameras to constantly scan the environment and predict potential hazards before they become real problems.

Traditional mirrors have blind spots but these new systems do not. They utilise AI powered cameras to create a complete picture of the bus surroundings. If a pedestrian steps off the curb unexpectedly or a cyclist rides into a blind spot while the bus is turning, the system instantly alerts the captain with visual and audio cues. This ensures that everyone inside and outside the bus stays safe even in the chaotic rush hour traffic.