SBS Transit Celebrates 50 Years of Keeping Singapore On The Move

For half a century, the public transport industry has continuously evolved to meet the ever-changing needs of Singapore. From the humble beginnings of operating non-air-conditioned buses to introducing the first air-conditioned, wheelchair-accessible buses and progressing to providing rail services, SBS Transit has played a significant role in laying the foundation for the public transportation system we enjoy today.

To commemorate its Golden Jubilee, SBS Transit, Singapore's pioneer bus company, is hosting a heritage exhibition and a series of events and initiatives under the theme "50 Years of Travelling Together". The campaign is a celebration of its journey with its people and passengers over the past decades, underscoring its unwavering dedication to providing safe, reliable and delightful journeys.

Acting Minister for Transport, Mr Chee Hong Tat, officially launched the heritage exhibition today at Singapore’s very first air-conditioned bus interchange — Toa Payoh Interchange. Visitors were transported back in time as they immersed themselves in a collection of old pictures and artefacts showcasing the evolution of transportation over five decades of progress and innovation. The exhibition included performances, nostalgic snacks and giveaways to celebrate SBS Transit’s 50 years of keeping Singapore on the move. The exhibition will also be held at five other stations and interchanges (please see annex for the timetable).

Mr Jeffrey Sim, Group Chief Executive Officer of SBS Transit said: “As Singapore’s pioneer public transport company, we've laid the foundation for today’s transportation system, a legacy built on Singapore’s trust, which we deeply value. We are dedicated to enhancing our passengers’ experience through continuous innovation, making every journey a delight.

From pioneering Singapore’s first Bus Captain Development Centre to ensure safe driving practices on the road, to empowering passengers with the world’s first real-time bus arrival system and enhancing the nation's public transportation with eco-friendly services through electric buses and trains, as well as harnessing renewable energy from solar panels to power our facilities, we are proud to be part of countless journeys over the years and are excited about what the future holds.”

Senior Bus Captain Ong Guan Beng, 73, said: “I am happy to have grown with the Company for five decades. Looking back, SBS Transit has given me as much as I have given them. In return for 51 years of service, I have gotten a wife, two sons, a few grandchildren and a roof over my head.”

Master Technical Specialist Hainee Abdul Rahman, 64, said: “My 44-year journey with SBS Transit has been truly fulfilling, ensuring our buses remain roadworthy for safe and smooth journeys for my passengers. I've seen the evolution of Singapore's buses, from the era of non-air-conditioned buses and manual steering to today's electric buses. I have grown alongside this transformation, continuously learning how to maintain our buses, including the electric buses.”

Annex: SBS Transit celebrates 50 years of keeping Singapore on the move