Photo credit: Caroline Chia (The Straits Times)

[Full articles were published in The Straits Times on 7 June 2026]

Singapore’s journey towards a cleaner public bus fleet is transforming far more than what commuters see on the road. Behind the scenes at the five-storey Gali Batu Bus Depot run by SMRT Buses, a highly coordinated operation ensures more than 200 electric buses are charged, monitored and ready to pick up passengers every day. From smart charging systems to advanced battery monitoring, the article offers a rare look at how SMRT is rethinking depot operations and training their people to support Singapore’s goal of a fully cleaner-energy public bus fleet by 2040.

For commuters and bus captains, electric buses are bringing a noticeably different experience. Quieter journeys, fume-free bus stops, camera-based mirror systems and a three-door design are changing the way buses are ridden and driven. But what does this transition look like in practice for the people who operate and use these buses every day?

Read the full articles to hear first-hand accounts from transport enthusiasts, passengers, SMRT bus captains and management team.

Article 1: Where hundreds of electric buses are charged and sent out for service

Article 2: No physical side mirrors, no problems: What it's like to ride and drive electric buses