How SBS Transit reduced bus breakdowns by 20%

‍From condition monitoring to reliability intelligence

SBS Transit, Singapore’s largest bus operator, began deploying Stratio’s fleet reliability intelligence across three depots in 2021, giving maintenance teams earlier warning of developing faults.

The program was later extended across the fleet. Diagnostic AI continuously reads deep CAN-level signals across powertrain, braking, electrical, thermal management, doors, and HVAC systems. Maintenance teams receive real-time alerts, with Stratio flagging faults before they become an issue - so teams can act before a bus breaks down.

“The Stratio Platform enables real-time fault detection and predictions for our buses. This allows for timely repair recalls with the workshops being alerted before actual breakdowns happen, reducing the occurrence of bus breakdowns in the process.”

Ang Soon Yeong

Head of Bus Engineering Systems & Technology,SBS Transit

The data forms part of SBS Transit’s wider work to connect maintenance, asset management, and operations. Breakdowns have fallen by at least 20% since the deployment began, and every breakdown prevented improves passenger reliability.

Finding air leaks before they affect braking

Small air leaks can be difficult to locate, particularly when they occur in inaccessible parts of a vehicle. If left unresolved, they can reduce pressure in the brake lines and cause premature wear to components such as the air compressor.

Stratio’s Diagnostic AI model analyzes the compressed-air system, estimates the size and likely location of a leak, and alerts the maintenance team so it can investigate.

Detecting air conditioning faults

Air conditioning is one of the three leading causes of bus repairs across the SBS Transit fleet.

Stratio’s Diagnostic AI uses sensor data to assess the HVAC unit’s ability to cool the bus interior and how efficiently it does so. Technicians receive detailed fault information, while their ongoing feedback helps Stratio’s engineers and data scientists continuously refine the model.

Detecting engine oil leaks before they become critical

Diagnostic AI monitors engine oil pressure across different operating conditions for early signs of developing leaks. It alerts the maintenance team so technicians can investigate and address the issue before it becomes critical. They can check for a low oil level, failing pump, blockage, or stuck pressure-relief valve before the issue becomes critical and impacts passenger services.

Extending condition monitoring to electric buses

SBS Transit has been extending Stratio’s reliability intelligence across its electric-bus fleet. It now covers all e-bus models operating in Singapore, assessing the condition and degradation of the battery packs and the overall performance of the e-bus fleet, with the two companies refining the system’s features for local conditions as SBS Transit moves toward zero-emission buses.

“With this bus condition monitoring system, we are able to anticipate faults and undertake predictive maintenance and contribute to better service reliability and elevate our passengers’ travel experience.”

jeffrey sim

Group chief executive officer,SBS Transit

Part of ComfortDelGro's wider use of AI

For SBS Transit’s parent company, ComfortDelGro, anticipating faults is one way AI helps keep services reliable. The video below shows how condition monitoring helps technicians spot potential problems before they disrupt journeys, as part of the group’s wider use of AI across its transport operations.