Bus-tling Along: A History of Singapore's Public Buses

Public buses are indelibly important to the daily lives and commutes of almost all Singaporeans. From the ringing of the “bus stopping” bell to the sight of rows and rows of buses in the interchange, Singapore’s public buses are unmistakably an inseparable part of our country’s identity. However, how often do we pay attention to the evolution of these parts? This article will thus delve into the history of Singapore’s public buses. Looking back at the evolution of Singapore’s public buses can help us understand how the changes in these infrastructures, sights, and sounds have shaped our relationship with public transport. Furthermore, there is still much room to examine how our public buses have changed over time. As such, this essay will examine the evolution of the Singaporean public bus experience throughout its long and varied history. In particular, it will focus on advances in technology, social history, and public memory.

Advances in Technology

The technology of buses has come a long way in Singapore over the years. Historically, Singaporean buses were diesel-powered manual vehicles. As Singapore modernised over the years, however, so too did its public buses go through technological advancements. Together with the ever-growing need for sustainable and efficient transportation, these advancements have sparked a radical shift towards greener and smarter buses. This section will thus provide a brief overview of the ways public buses have advanced over the years.

Perhaps the earliest example of public ‘buses’ can be found in the early 20th century, when trolleybuses emerged from the decline of Singapore’s initial forays into tram systems. These vehicles were powered by electric wires overhead and offered clear advantages over trams: they were efficient, eco-friendly, and flexible when it came to planning routes around the city. By 1919, Singapore saw the arrival of ‘mosquito buses’—unlicensed public motor buses that picked passengers up. While they fulfilled the growing demand for transportation, these vehicles were also menaces that haphazardly weaved throughout traffic on their journeys. By 1929, the Singapore Traction Company introduced public buses that would prove to drive mosquito buses out of business in less than a decade.

Following Singapore’s independence, public buses only grew in popularity. Singapore Bus Services (SBS) emerged in 1973, introducing new buses such as the Mercedes OF1413 and Volvo B57 to further improve bus efficiency and reliability. As the years went by, newer models replaced their outdated predecessors, although some designs never went out of fashion. For instance, the articulated (or bendy) bus was eventually phased out in favour of the double decker bus, despite the former being a newer addition to the SBS fleet.

Networks and Transportation

Naturally, an overview of the infrastructure in which public buses operate is also necessary for a full understanding of how our bus system might have changed so dramatically over the years. The bus network has changed a lot in the last 60 years, growing alongside Singapore's urban development. However, the bus network is not just a web of connections and infrastructure. For everyday commuters, it continues to shape the way we live, work, and commute.

Following Singapore’s independence, rapid urbanisation meant that new towns sprung up outside the city centre. These towns created dense residential and industrial clusters, leading to greater demand for commuter services from their residents. Given that passenger numbers threatened to outstrip bus capacities, the government had to find a new solution to the matter of public transport. The rail network thus grew as a solution to this demand. However, buses remained a key part of satisfying passenger needs. New bus routes gave access between neighbourhoods and the increasingly complex train networks, and became more responsive in ridership changes and commuter needs.

Social History

Finally, Singapore’s bus heritage cannot be fully appreciated without bearing the wider social context in mind. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the earliest buses were marred by social challenges that made the simple act of riding the bus a potentially dangerous one. For instance, gangsters would occasionally rob bus passengers and set buses on fire. Furthermore, strikes threatened the efficiency of public transport, disrupting bus routes and generally inconveniencing passengers who relied on buses. Neither were strikes the only inconveniences to commuters. The early bus experience was plagued by overcrowding, run-down buses, and heavy pollution.

It was not till after Singapore’s independence that radical overhauls were undertaken to improve the commuter experience. In 1971, the eleven existing bus companies were reorganised into four major companies: the Amalgamated Bus Company, the Associated Bus Services, the United Bus Company, and the Singapore Traction Company. Write something about how this reconfiguration proved beneficial to the commuter experience. However, this was insufficient. Just two years after this overhaul, the government stepped in to end the unnecessarily fierce competition and unstandardised fares. SBS marked one of the first governmental interventions into private companies for the public good. The Government Team of Officials got the help of the Singapore Armed Forces to repair ageing buses, conduct staff training, and wipe out the previously rampant corruption of the private bus companies.

Public Memory

The evolution of public buses in Singapore is not just a story of technological advancements, transportation networks, and social history. It is also a story of public memory. The iconic design of the red and white SBS bus, for instance, has become a symbol of Singapore and is instantly recognisable to many Singaporeans. Moreover, the sound of the ‘bus stopping’ bell or the sight of the bus interchange is a shared experience for many Singaporeans. The importance of public memory in shaping our relationship with public transport cannot be understated, and the evolution of public buses in Singapore is a testament to this.

Maxson Goh, a bus enthusiast in Singapore, expressed how the bus was a source of comfort and relaxation for him during his younger years. He mentioned that he was fascinated by buses from a young age, and as he grew up, he found taking the bus to be calming, especially after a tough day at school. Goh shared that the bus was his safe space, a place where he could relax and unwind. Hence, Goh has taken his love for public transportation to the next level by creating a YouTube channel dedicated to reliving the memories of old buses in Singapore. His channel, which has gained a significant following, features footage of vintage buses that were once commonplace on Singapore's streets, as well as interviews with retired bus drivers and other enthusiasts. Through his channel, Maxson hopes to preserve the history of Singapore's public transportation system and to share his passion for buses with others who share his interest.

Conclusion

In sum, Singapore’s public buses have proven to be an inseparable part of the country’s modernization efforts over the years. Documenting the history of buses is vital for Singaporeans to appreciate the ways in which our relationship with buses have shifted, lest change happens unnoticed and unacknowledged over time. The painstaking efforts taken to improve bus technology, transportation networks, and overall social experience is a vital aspect of the Singapore story of progress, and none should take it for granted. 

References

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https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltagov/en/who_we_are/our_work/public_transport_system/bus.html

“First doubledecker bus service starts on Monday.” The Straits Times. June 11, 1977. 

https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19770611-1.2.49

Frost, Mark R., and Yu-Mei Balasingamchow. Singapore: A Biography. Singapore: 

Editions Didier Millet, 2009.

Lee, Meiyu. “The Road to Nationalisation: Public Buses in Singapore.” BiblioAsia, 

October 5, 2017. https://biblioasia.nlb.gov.sg/vol-13/issue-3/oct-dec-2017/roadtonationalisation

Singapore Land Authority, Survey Department. Survey Map [map]. 1 January 1970. 

"Singapore Bus Route." https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/maps_building_plans/record-details/f90b4090-115c-11e3-83d5-0050568939ad

Tahir, Ibrahim.  “Mosquito Buses.” Singapore Infopedia. 

https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_2015-08-28_160901.html

York, F. W., and A. R. Phillips. Singapore: A History of its Trams, Trolleybuses & 

Buses. Croydon: DTS Publishing, 1996.

About author 

Ian Izdeehar is a third-year History student at Nanyang Technological University. With a passion for exploring the diverse and fascinating histories of Southeast Asia, Ian is particularly interested in public history and film history. In their spare time, Ian enjoys dancing, moving to the rhythm and expressing themselves creatively. With a strong foundation in History and a dedication to expanding their knowledge, Ian is poised to make meaningful contributions to the field and to deepen our understanding of the past.