SBS Transit (Singapore Bus Service) operates more than 75% of the scheduled bus service in Singapore. The remnants of an older company were reorganized into what is now SBS Transit. Also operating the subway and light rail system SBS only has one major competitor.

Quick Facts:

Type: Publicly Traded Private Company

Fleet Size: 3,000 Single Deck, Double Decker and Articulated Buses

Routes: SBS operates half of all bus routes in Singapore alongside its competitor

Manufacturer and Powerplant: SBS uses an imported fleet supplied from Volvo, Scania, Mercedes-Benz, Alexander Dennis and Leyland. SBS is incorporating Hybrid technology into its fleet with the purchase of new Volvo and Alexander Dennis Double Decker buses.

Fare Collection: The contactless card payment system in Singapore is called EZ-Link. The EZ-link technology used in Singapore was developed by Sony and is used in other transit networks across Asia. Recent expansions of the wireless payment network in Singapore allow the EZ-Link card to be used to make payments elsewhere such as McDonalds. Transit buses in Singapore have two card readers. One at the Entrance and one at the Exit door.

Livery: SBS Transit buses incorporate elements of White, Purple and Orange onto their livery. SBS does sell the sides of its buses for advertising space, with some companies paying for full wraparound bus advertisements.

Innovations: SBS absorbed more than half of all transport companies in Singapore into one large entity capable of day to day operations with increased efficiency. Transit in Singapore is dominated by a Duopoly. SBS operates most Transit in the North and Central Areas while its rival operates the South.

Driving Dynamics: Like anywhere in Asia, most people rely on public transport but in Singapore the case is slightly different. People who own cars are still just as likely to ride the bus and catch the train for work and school. Using their car only for short trips to the store. This creates a heavy demand for bus travel. Bus Drivers biggest enemy here other than heavy traffic would be the harsh summer and spring weather commonly associated with southern Asia. Heavy rainstorms sometimes make roads extremely hazardous but service continues until it is deemed to dangerous to operate.