NTUC Company Training Committee Grant fuels SBS Transit’s AI bus maintenance transformation

In today’s world of business, AI isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a necessity. If your company hasn’t yet adopted AI technologies, it’s time to explore the NTUC Company Training Committee (CTC) Grant.

This financial support can help you implement the transformative technology you need to enhance operations and workforce efficiency, especially if you don’t have the means to do so.

Even public service organisations like SBS Transit are harnessing AI to stay ahead of the game.

“We are grateful to NTUC for the CTC Grant because it enables us to embark on technologies that would otherwise be cost-prohibitive,” the company’s Group Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Sim said.

SBS Transit rolls out AI efficiency with the NTUC CTC Grant

Recently, SBS Transit leveraged the NTUC CTC Grant to overhaul its bus maintenance operations, with funding covering up to 70 per cent of the costs associated with new AI-focused systems.

These projects have significantly increased bus maintenance productivity. They are expected to create a pool of 50 skilled workers adept in data analysis and predictive monitoring of bus components.

Workers can also look forward to better jobs, which could accelerate growth.

“We think it is a fantastic initiative by the NTUC to have this CTC Grant to bring about this transformation and uplift our workers to be more skilled and have higher wages,” said Mr Sim.

Project 1: Predictive bus monitoring system

With NTUC CTC Grant funding and support from the National Transport Workers’ Union, SBS Transit developed the Stratio bus monitoring system. This AI-powered tool detects early signs of component failure in real time. By monitoring critical battery parameters, such as temperature and internal resistance, maintenance workers gain insights into the vehicle’s overall health.

New Diagnostic Experts to monitor the overall health of buses

The new bus monitoring system has transformed maintenance technicians, such as Mazri Masrah (pictured above), into Diagnostics Experts who are capable of analysing data to predict equipment issues.

“We used to check each bus part to identify issues, which took up a lot of time.

“Now, with the Stratio system, we know the problem instantly. It saves time and makes it more efficient,” said Mazri, who has worked with SBS Transit for about seven years.

“This job requires more critical thinking, especially when it comes to planning and arranging technology to make our work easier,” he added.

At 52, Mazri is enthusiastic about his career advancement and is already planning to become a trainer for future diagnostic experts.

Project 2: Automated tyre management system

SBS Transit also utilised the NTUC CTC Grant for an AI-powered tyre servicing system. Instead of manual inspections, buses now pass through a specialised lane equipped with cameras and sensors to check tyre pressure and detect damage.

This innovative approach boosts productivity for over 500 buses each month, with projected annual savings of 12,000 man-hours and around $200,000 in maintenance costs.

Improved technician productivity

Rajeshpal Singh (pictured above, right), 39, the technical officer supervising the tyre project, noted that the new system has improved efficiency.

“In the traditional way of checking the tyres, one bus will take 30 to 40 minutes. With this new system, the person who is maintaining the bus simply drives it through the machine.

“And in a matter of minutes, it will ping the data to the portal. I can access the data and do the planning for the next day,” he explained.

SBS Transit is planning another NTUC CTC Grant project to improve bus underframe maintenance.

NTUC drives AI adoption across industries to spur transformation

NTUC has been essential in helping Singapore companies adopt AI technologies. With $300 million in funding, NTUC has approved over 700 NTUC CTC Grant projects across various industries, ranging from aerospace and aviation to F&B and manufacturing. Over 70 of these projects focus on AI, upskilling around 10,000 workers, and empowering businesses to reach new heights.

Need an AI transformation? Apply for an NTUC CTC Grant today to build an AI-ready workforce for digital business capabilities.