SBS Transit, a bus and rail operator in Singapore, has announced plans to develop an intelligent braking system for buses. This will be a first-of-its-kind initiative for buses in Singapore. The solution, known as the Responsive and Adaptive Braking System (RABS), will be developed in collaboration with China-based Streamax Technology and Singapore-based TNT Surveillance. The solution aims to enhance passenger safety by reducing the abruptness of emergency braking, which can lead to injuries. A pilot is proposed to be launched in H1 2026. As of FY2024, the company had a fleet of 3,329 buses.
SBS Transit will integrate radar sensors and cameras into RABS to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings continuously. The system is designed to detect hazards and respond within 40 milliseconds, which is significantly faster than human reaction time. Unlike conventional emergency braking systems that may lock the brakes and cause sharp jolts, RABS delivers controlled and gradual deceleration. It adapts its braking parameters based on factors such as the bus’s speed and the passenger load, ensuring a smoother and safer ride.