Featured Bus : The Volvo B10M Mark 2
This year marks the amazing 19 years of operation of the oldest member in the diverse fleet of SBS Transit – the Volvo B10M Mark 2. This article is indirectly a tribute to the grand old dame.
The eventual entrance of the Mark 2s into the then-SBS was preceded by the evaluation trial of SBS 9C, a Volvo B10M Mark 1. With the successful trial, SBS proceeded to place an order of 200 units of the Mark 2s, an enhanced version of the B10M family of chassis. This was to be the start of a long affair between SBS and the B10M, whose numbers currently stands at no less than 800 units.
SBS contracted two body suppliers for the Mark 2s, Walter Alexander and Duple Metsec. Both suppliers will supply completely knock-down kits (CKD) and assemble 100 units each locally. With this order, Walter Alexander exclusively designed the PS-type bodywork for SBS. This bodywork was to be fitted also on the Scania N113CRBs as well as the Mercedes Benz O405s. Both models will be described separately.
The Mark 2s were powered by the Volvo THD101GC, rated at 245bhp. The 6-cylinder, diesel engine has a capacity of 9.6 litres and coupled with the 4-speed ZF4HP500 automatic gearbox. The underfloor engine is mounted midway between the axles. The chassis name for the Mark 2s is Volvo B10M-61 Mark 2, “61″ being the wheelbase which is 6.1 metres. The buses has a total length of 12 metres, with a width of 2.5 metres and a height of slightly more than 3 metres. The licensed passenger capacity however varies with the different bodyworks. The Alexander Mark 2s were licensed to carry 86 passengers while the Metsec Mark 2s were allowed to carry slightly more passengers, at 89.
The buses were commissioned between 1988 and 1989. They were introduced originally as non-airconditioned buses, and registered in the registration range of SBS 1696L to SBS 1895D. The Mark 2s has nothing short of colourful history. The Alexander Mark 2s were deployed to the cross-border Service 170 after the Volvo B57s were retired from service. The Mark 2s were also the first non-airconditioned models to be retrofitted with airconditioners and refurbished interiors. Till date, slightly more than half of the Mark 2s were fitted with aircons.
By law, all public buses have a mandatory operating lifespan of 17 years. However, the Mark 2s were an exceptional case. They were extended because SBS had a serious lack of buses for operations. This was also the reason for the extension of the operating lifespan for the Scania N113CRBs. However, not all Mark 2s were given the extension. Beginning from today, 6 units out of the remaining 150 units in operation will be decommissioned and will probably be scrapped. The last of the Mark 2s will be de-registered in early 2008, marking the end of the glorious life of the Mark 2s in Singapore with SBS Transit.
This entry was originally published in June 2007.
