Singapore commuters will soon be enjoying a more comfortable ride on a significant portion of the public bus fleet. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is embarking on a refurbishment program for 906 buses – 353 single-deck and 553 double-deck – aiming to refresh interiors with fresh seats and flooring, among other improvements. This initiative, slated to run between 2027 and 2030, represents the second phase of a mid-life upgrade program for Singapore’s buses, reflecting a commitment to maintaining a reliable and pleasant public transportation experience.
The move comes as part of a broader strategy to optimize the lifespan and utility of existing assets. Public buses in Singapore typically have a statutory lifespan of 17 years, and this refurbishment is designed to address wear and tear around the 10- to 13-year mark, extending their useful life and ensuring continued safety and reliability. The program is a key component of the public bus sector’s contracting model, implemented in September 2016, where the LTA oversees assets and fare collection while bus operators focus on service delivery.
A Second Wave of Upgrades
This isn’t the first time the LTA has undertaken such a large-scale refurbishment effort. From 2023 to 2025, more than 600 buses underwent similar mid-life upgrades. This current phase builds on that experience, applying lessons learned to a new segment of the fleet. According to tender documents published on the government procurement portal GeBiz on March 5, the upcoming work will be comprehensive, encompassing not only seats and flooring but also door system parts, window and windscreen sealants, and protective trims.
The LTA has assured the public that the refurbishment will be carefully scheduled to minimize disruption to bus services. “LTA will work with operators and appointed contractors to progressively schedule refurbishment works, ensuring that sufficient buses remain in service at all times to minimise impact on daily bus operations,” the authority stated in response to queries. Each single-deck bus is expected to take approximately one week to complete, while double-deck buses will require around two weeks.
What’s Included in the Refresh?
The scope of the refurbishment goes beyond cosmetic changes. The work includes a complete overhaul of seating, with the replacement of upholstery – seat covers, cushions, and supporting boards – as well as the mounting bolts that secure the seats to the bus floor. Seat frames will also be cleaned and resprayed. Crucially, contractors are prohibited from using staples to secure upholstery, a measure designed to simplify maintenance and enhance passenger safety, as staples can pose a hazard and complicate repairs. The Straits Times provides a visual guide to the refurbishment process.
Beyond the passenger area, critical electrical components will also be replaced, including battery cables, master relays, and central switches. This proactive approach aims to prevent potential electrical issues and maintain the overall reliability of the bus fleet. All 906 buses included in this exercise are diesel-powered vehicles.
Specific Bus Models Targeted
The refurbishment isn’t a blanket approach; it’s being phased based on bus age and model. According to the tender documents, 100 MAN A22 Euro 5 single-deck buses must be completed by January 7, 2029, while work on 253 Mercedes-Benz Citaro O530 single-deck buses is due by January 27, 2029. For double-deckers, 63 MAN A95 Euro 5 buses are slated for renewal by June 9, 2029, and 490 Volvo B9TL buses must be refurbished by March 29, 2030.
Contractors are expected to prioritize older buses, ensuring that each vehicle is more than 10 years old at the start of the work and less than 13 years old upon completion. This targeted approach maximizes the benefit of the refurbishment program, addressing the buses most in need of attention while still allowing them to remain in service for several more years.
The first mid-life refurbishment exercise, which included the replacement of seats and floor covers, was conducted from 2023 to 2025.
ST PHOTO: ONG WEE JIN
As of the end of 2025, Singapore’s public bus fleet comprises 6,067 vehicles. This ongoing refurbishment program, alongside the continuous addition of new buses, demonstrates the LTA’s commitment to providing a modern and efficient public transportation system for the city-state.
The next key milestone for this refurbishment program will be the awarding of the contract to the appointed contractor, with work expected to commence in 2027. Commuters can anticipate seeing the refreshed buses enter service gradually over the following three years. We will continue to follow this project and provide updates as they become available.
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