Alexander Dennis has delivered the first of 50 new Enviro500 double-deck buses, which have entered service on the network operated by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) of Singapore. The buses have been tailored to the authority’s requirements, resulting in a three-door, two-staircase layout designed to help with smoother and quicker boarding and alighting.
Following the award of the order by the LTA in April 2019, a cross-functional team of engineers from Alexander Dennis worked with the LTA and suppliers to design and build a bus that fully reflects the operational requirements of Singapore’s busy bus services. The bespoke Enviro500 double-deckers have three sets of doors and two glazed staircases, with the one at the rear of the vehicle leading directly to the exit door. Step free aisles on both decks ensure passengers can move around the vehicle with ease, with engine and drivetrain components relocated to enable the full low floor design. ADL said that the buses also feature a host of energy-saving design features.
Paul Davies, ADL President and Managing Director, commented: “ADL prides itself in responding to customer requirements without compromise, and the new Enviro500 buses for Singapore’s Land Transport Authority are testament to this spirit of innovation. Our engineers have delivered a fantastic job rethinking the driveline to enable this new solution, which speeds up journeys and increases passenger safety.
“We are delighted with the LTA’s trust in our concept and look forward to supporting the full fleet throughout its service life in this vibrant, booming world city.”
The new buses have been allocated to bus operators SBS Transit, SMRT Buses and Tower Transit where they join 216 earlier Enviro500s already in operation in Singapore. All will be supported locally from the manufacturer’s 25,000 square foot facility.