ComfortDelGro, Singapore’s largest unscheduled bus operator recently rolled out four Volvo B8R 49-seater buses which feature a Driver Support System that comes with a built-in Collision Warning and Emergency Brake (CWEB). The bus is equipped to brake automatically and come to a stop if it “senses” that a collision is about to happen.

This is how it works: A radar-based sensor and a camera are activated once the bus accelerates past 15km/h. When it detects a potential collision with another vehicle, the system alerts the driver through a blinking red light on the dashboard and a beeping sound. If the driver still does not respond, the system immediately initiates soft braking before applying full braking power to bring the bus to a complete stop before any collision happens. The system also comes with a lane assist function that alerts the bus driver when the bus veers into other lanes. Similarly, the braking system kicks in if it senses a frontal collision threat.

Mr Pang Weng Heng, CEO of ComfortDelGro Bus said: “As a private bus operator, safety is key. With its ability to intervene and stop the bus before a frontal collision happens, Volvo’s CWEB feature is a welcomed safety enhancement that will help our bus drivers avoid critical situations and accidents.”

As there are plans to purchase more of such buses over the next two years, six ComfortDelGro Bus drivers have undergone training about the in-built CWEB feature. Amongst them is Mr Lim Chye Whatt, ComfortDelGro Bus driver of 17 years. “I think these features are helpful as it alerts me when I am not keeping to my lane. But of course, at the end of the day, as a driver, I need to be aware of my surroundings and not just rely on the machine” said the 56 year old.