Revolutionizing Public Safety: Singapore’s Groundbreaking Braking System for Buses
A New Era of Bus Safety in Singapore
Singapore is set to transform its public transport system with the upcoming deployment of an active braking system on select public buses. This innovative technology, designed to detect road hazards and significantly reduce the risk of injuries during emergency braking situations, is expected to be tested in the first half of 2026.
Partnership for Progress: SBS Transit Collaborates with AI Experts
On May 8, SBS Transit announced its partnership with Streamax, a leading Chinese artificial intelligence company, and Singapore’s own TNT Surveillance. This collaborative venture, formalized through an agreement in April 2025, aims to develop a responsive and adaptive braking system that prioritizes passenger safety and operational efficiency.
Technological Marvel: How It Works
This advanced braking system will employ a combination of radar sensors and cameras to continuously monitor the bus’s environment. The system boasts an impressive reaction time of 40 milliseconds, which is over 35 times faster than the average human driver’s response, allowing it to detect potential hazards well in advance.
Beyond Human Reaction: Early Detection Capabilities
The braking system’s ability to identify dangers up to 150 meters ahead sets it apart from human drivers, who may not notice potential threats in time. This early detection mechanism ensures that the system can initiate moderate braking over longer distances, helping to avert accidents proactively.
Maintaining Distance: Automatic Braking for Safety
A key feature of this system includes automatic braking to maintain safe distances. For instance, if another vehicle suddenly swerves into the bus’s lane or if a pedestrian unexpectedly steps onto the road, the system will automatically engage the brakes to avoid a collision.
Gentle Braking for Passenger Comfort
One of the standout attributes of this braking system is its ability to apply braking force more gently than a human driver. This design is crucial for preventing abrupt stops, which can cause injuries to seated passengers or throw standing passengers off balance.
Emergency Situation Management
In situations requiring emergency braking, the system will skillfully manage the bus’s deceleration, ensuring a smoother stop while minimizing the chances of jolting passengers forward. This feature aims to significantly reduce the likelihood of injuries and enhance overall passenger comfort.
Collision Mitigation: Proactive Safety Measures
If a collision becomes unavoidable, the system will intelligently moderate the braking force to lessen the impact. This critical capability aims to protect passengers and minimize damage to the vehicle itself, showcasing a genuine commitment to safety.
Dynamic Adaptivity: Adjusting to Real-World Conditions
Designed to navigate the complex landscape of city traffic, this system will continuously adapt its braking responses based on variables such as speed, road crowding, and prevailing weather conditions. Such adaptability is essential for ensuring consistent safety in the unpredictable urban environment.
Real-Time Communication: Enhancing Operational Awareness
Moreover, the advanced braking system will transmit real-time data, including live video feeds, precise vehicle locations, and incident details, to the bus operations control center. This real-time data flow will empower the operations team, enabling quicker responses and enhanced situational awareness.
A Commitment to Safety: Statements from SBS Transit
Mr. Jeffrey Sim, group chief executive of SBS Transit, emphasized that road safety is the operator’s top priority. This ongoing commitment to investing in cutting-edge technologies aligns with the recommendations made by the Singapore Government’s bus safety task force, established in July 2024.
Driving Safety Forward: Recommendations and Measures
The bus safety task force proposed in March 2025 several recommendations, including equipping bus drivers with technological tools to enhance their driving safety. Additionally, the task force suggested improvements to working conditions, such as capped run times and better management of road works to mitigate risks.
Learning from Tragedy: Recent Incidents Highlight the Need for Innovation
Tragic incidents in recent years have underscored the urgent need for such safety innovations. In 2021, an elderly passenger suffered fatal injuries after falling on a bus that braked suddenly to avoid an unexpected collision. Another elderly man also lost his life in a similar incident in March 2025. These unfortunate events have propelled the push for advanced safety measures.
Incorporating Technology: A Step Ahead
SBS Transit is not alone in its quest for safety. Its parent company, ComfortDelGro, has already implemented automatic emergency braking and collision-warning features in four of its private buses since 2019. This pioneering effort reflects a growing trend within the public transport sector to embrace technological solutions for enhanced safety.
Global Standards: Automatic Braking Systems Gaining Traction
The movement towards automatic braking systems isn’t confined to Singapore. Countries like the UK have adopted similar measures, mandating that all new buses in London come with advanced emergency braking features. These features utilize sensors to alert drivers and, if necessary, engage the brakes automatically to prevent accidents.
A Forward-Thinking Approach to Urban Transport
As Singapore prepares to roll out this innovative braking system, it stands as a testament to the nation’s dedication to creating a safer public transport environment. The integration of such technologies is expected to not only enhance safety but also bolster public confidence in the mass transit system.
Conclusion: Safety, Comfort, and Innovation
With the introduction of this active braking system in public buses, Singapore is setting a benchmark for urban transportation safety. As the city-state continues to invest in technology and safety measures, it underscores the importance of prioritizing passenger safety in public transport. The collaboration between SBS Transit, Streamax, and TNT Surveillance is a significant step forward, not just for Singapore but could potentially serve as a model for other urban centers worldwide. As the testing phase approaches in 2026, the hopes for a safer, more responsive public transport system grow stronger, reflecting a commitment to innovation and care for all commuters.
