Public Buses converted into COVID-19 Bus Transporters

Public buses are being converted into COVID-19 Bus Transporters as part of a collaboration between local public transport operator SMRT and Singapore-based engineering company HOPE Technik.

Information regarding the collaboration was first shared on 25 April 2020, in a Facebook post by Temasek Holdings’ Chief Executive, Ho Ching. Initial photos show an SMRT MAN A22 undergoing conversion works.

Features

The COVID-19 Bus Transporters are converted from existing MAN A22 (Euro V) buses in SMRT’s fleet. As part of the modifications, a floor-to-ceiling divider separates the rear passenger compartment from the front section of the bus. The dividing wall features windows and an emergency door for cross-compartment passage.

Apart from the driver’s cab, the front compartment retains two wheel arch seats for medical or administrative personnel (such as paramedics, admin support manager, escort officer, etc) to be seated on board.

A separate air-conditioning system is used for both bus compartments to prevent mixing of air. In addition, a differential pressure gauge is installed at the side of the front row seats.

It is observed that revenue service equipment has been removed from these buses.

Deployment

These buses would safely transport COVID-19 patients between facilities, from dormitories to hospitals or community care facilities, or bring recovering patients from hospitals to community recovery care facilities. Buses will be rolled out to serve COVID-19 patients by ‘end next week’ (May 2020).

According to the Facebook post, an initial 20 buses have been slated for COVID-19 patient transport modification works. A further 30 buses will undergo a more extensive ‘Version 2’ modification, with negative pressure systems for the patient compartment, where air from the patients’ compartment will be scrubbed and cleaned before being vented out. In total, 50 buses are expected to undergo conversion work.

Modified Buses

Several MAN A22 buses previously registered to SMRT Buses have also had their road tax suspended, and reflected as Non-User Lay-Up status. As such, these buses could be operating on a Special Purpose License or under an Exemption Order under the Road Traffic Act to be issued for the purpose of transporting COVID-19 patients.

This list will be gradually updated when more buses are identified.

These buses first entered revenue service in late 2011.

Gallery:

Exterior photograph is taken at the lobby of HOPE Technik in Penjuru.

SMRT logos have been removed from the exterior of the vehicle. Perforated vinyl stickers are affixed to both sides of the bus, similar to that used on bus advertising stickers, and are likely intended as privacy screens.

Pre-modification:

Other Conversions

Apart from this project, several initiatives have been taken around the world to convert buses for transporting COVID-19 patients.

Recently, in Neu-Ulm (Bavaria), Daimler Buses converted a Mercedes-Benz Citaro citybus into an intensive care patient transport vehicle, for the transfer of COVID-19 patients.

See Also:

• ST Engineering Retrofitted Electric Bus (MAN A22)
  Electric bus conversion project involving a former SMRT MAN A22 (Euro V) bus

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