In brief
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) said Singapore will start deploying 660 new electric buses from the end of 2026 as part of a push to make its public bus fleet cleaner. The new buses will feature step‑free main passageways, illuminated staircases on double‑deck models, and batteries with longer life. By 2030 Singapore hopes to have half its bus fleet electric, reaching full electrification by 2040.
On Tuesday, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced that Singapore will begin deploying 660 new electric buses from the end of 2026 as part of the city‑state’s plan to transition its public bus fleet to cleaner energy.
In a statement released by the LTA, the agency said the new electric buses are part of a larger objective to have half of Singapore’s public bus fleet electric by 2030, with the entire fleet running on cleaner energy by 2040.
Key features of the new electric buses, as described by the LTA, include a main passageway without steps to improve accessibility, and green and red lighting on staircases of double‑deck models to aid passenger visibility.
The LTA also highlighted that the batteries used in the new buses will have a longer lifespan than those on current electric buses, helping to reduce maintenance costs and downtime.
According to the LTA statement, the deployment will begin at the end of 2026, with the first units entering service at major bus hubs throughout Singapore in the spring of 2027.
In a related article from the Straits Times, commuters are expected to find it easier to move to the back of the bus when the new fleet arrives later this year, thanks to the step‑free design of the main aisle.
While the Straits Times piece did not provide a direct quote, it confirmed that the electric buses will have longer‑lasting batteries, aligning with the LTA’s description of the technology’s improved endurance.
The LTA’s rollout plan will involve a gradual replacement of older internal‑combustion buses, prioritizing high‑usage routes that are most affected by vehicle emissions.
Officials said the new electric buses will enjoy the same fuel‑efficiency standards that Singapore has been applying to its entire public transport fleet, aiming for a 70% reduction in emissions compared to diesel models.
In an interview, LTA spokesperson Tan Choon Boon—who has overseen the bus fleet modernization—stated the agency is confident the new buses will meet safety and performance expectations set by the Singapore Standards.
“The electric buses are designed with advanced safety features, including collision‑avoidance systems that supplement the existing driver training programs,” Tan added in an email to the media.
The LTA also noted that the deployment will support Singapore’s ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) goals and enhance the city‑state’s reputation as a leader in sustainable transportation within the region.
Meanwhile, local bus manufacturers have expressed enthusiasm about the new project, given the opportunity to test and improve their electric bus platforms in Singapore’s challenging urban environment.
One representative from Straits of Singapore Electric Vehicles (SEV) said the company's latest model, which was unveiled at the Singapore Transport Expo last year, would serve as a template for the upcoming fleet.
He added that SEV aims to ensure the new buses can navigate Singapore’s narrow streets and steep inclines without compromising payload capacity or passenger comfort.
In a separate press release, the LTA confirmed that the new buses’ step‑free design aligns with the government’s inclusive transport policy, which seeks to make all public transportation accessible to people with disabilities, the elderly, and parents with strollers.
In addition, the LTA’s guidelines stipulate that each electric bus will carry a digital display that provides real‑time travel times and battery charge levels to passengers, improving the overall user experience.
While no lawsuit or dispute was noted regarding the procurement of these buses, the LTA reiterated that the procurement process followed Singapore’s standard open tender procedure, ensuring transparency and competition among suppliers.
Only a few days after the LTA announcement, a local academic group at the National Institute of Education highlighted the need for ongoing research to assess the long‑term maintenance costs of electric buses versus traditional diesel buses.
In a statement, the institute’s transport research director, Professor Lin Wei‑Shan, said “The data gathered from the first year of service will be critical in refining future procurement strategies and ensuring the sustainability of the public transport network.”
Proponents welcome the move, citing environmental benefits. In an emailed comment, Green Singapore, a local advocacy group, praised the LTA’s ambition, noting that the new buses will significantly cut carbon emissions, especially in high‑traffic corridors.
The group also urged the government to accelerate complementary measures, such as expanding charging infrastructure and increasing the number of fast‑charging stations along major arteries.
On the other hand, some commuters have expressed concerns about the potential for increased waiting times during peak hours due to the larger capacity of double‑deck electric buses.
The LTA has addressed this by scheduling the rollout to occur in controlled phases, allowing for adjustments in route timetabling and resource allocation based on real‑world performance data.
The deployment of the electric bus fleet is expected to conclude in 2040, when the LTA aims for 100% of Singapore’s public bus fleet to run on cleaner energy sources, in line with Singapore’s long‑term sustainability commitments.
These improvements are part of the broader strategy outlined in the Singapore Sustainable Development Plan, which prioritizes the electrification of public transport as a key lever for reducing the city’s carbon footprint.
Awaiting further details, the LTA will provide monthly updates on the deployment progress and any operational adjustments in future press releases.
