SMRT Deploys AI Bus Control Hub to Monitor Driver Fatigue and Braking

SMRT has launched a new AI-powered control centre for its bus operations at Gali Batu Depot in Singapore, according to CNA. The facility is designed to flag signs of driver fatigue and instances of harsh braking in real time.

The system is part of SMRT's broader "Bus 4.0" initiative, which aims to make bus services safer, more reliable, and faster, as reported by The Straits Times and AsiaOne. The command centre allows operators to see, coordinate, and act on issues earlier than before, according to SMRT Corporation.

The AI technology monitors driver behaviour, including indicators of sleepiness and abrupt braking events. When such patterns are detected, the centre can alert supervisors or dispatchers, enabling quicker intervention. SMRT says the goal is to improve overall safety for passengers and road users while also enhancing service punctuality.

The new centre consolidates oversight of bus operations into a single location, giving controllers a more complete view of the fleet. This marks a shift from traditional, more reactive approaches to a proactive, data-driven model. SMRT Corporation described the launch as a key step under its Bus 4.0 transformation plan, which focuses on leveraging technology to modernise bus operations.

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The move comes as transit operators worldwide increasingly adopt AI and data analytics to improve safety and efficiency. SMRT's initiative is one of the more visible examples in Singapore's public transport sector.

What to watch next: whether SMRT expands the AI system to cover additional depots or integrates it with other safety features, such as collision avoidance or route optimisation.