Technology · Singapore Bureau
SBST deploys AI system to improve bus service reliability by 2027
Singapore's SMRT Bus Service is trialling an artificial intelligence tool designed to address inconsistent bus arrival times, with wider deployment expected in early 2027. The system is currently being tested on two routes ahead of expansion to seven additional services.
LSN Singapore ·
The new AI system represents SMRT's latest effort to enhance operational efficiency and passenger experience across its bus network. Currently undergoing trials on two bus services, the technology aims to identify and mitigate factors causing uneven spacing between vehicles—a persistent challenge affecting service reliability and customer satisfaction.
Uneven bus arrivals, where vehicles bunch together or run with excessive gaps, can disrupt commuter schedules and reduce overall network efficiency. The AI tool is designed to optimise various operational parameters to maintain more consistent headways between buses, ensuring more predictable service for passengers.
Following the initial trial phase, the system will be tested across seven additional routes to evaluate its effectiveness across different operational conditions and traffic patterns. This expanded testing will provide SMRT with comprehensive data on the technology's performance before the planned early 2027 rollout.
The initiative aligns with Singapore's broader push to modernise public transport infrastructure and leverage technology to improve service quality. If successful, the AI system could become a key component of SMRT's long-term strategy to maintain its position as a reliable transport provider.