SMRT launches S$6 million AI-powered bus command centre

SMRT has launched its Bus 4.0 initiative, featuring a new S$6 million Mobility Command and Control Centre, also known as the Intelligent Operations Control Centre (iOCC), located at the Gali Batu Bus Depot. The facility functions similarly to an air traffic control tower, utilizing artificial intelligence and automation to monitor more than 1,200 buses across approximately 75 services in real time.

The center consolidates operations previously managed at the Woodlands and Soon Lee depots. By integrating data on fleet deployment, live bus movements, vehicle health, electric bus charging, and road traffic, the system allows fleet managers to identify operational risks early. AI technology is specifically used to flag issues such as driver fatigue, unsafe driving, and bus bunching to improve safety and reliability.

Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow officially opened the center on August 28. The facility is currently operated by a team of nearly 50 officers, with approximately 20 service controllers on duty at any given time to manage scheduling, recalls, and incident responses.