Dennis Dart
丹尼士飛鏢／達智 (都普·金屬) [Config : B33D]
While Dart buses are common in Hong Kong or the UK, it is considered a rarity in Singapore. Singapore Bus Services only purchased 10 of these 9.4m midibuses with Cummins 6BT engine (5,883cc), and they were placed on 2 suburban routes going through landed property. They were fitted with Allison AT545 automatic transmission, a unique feature in the entire fleet, had Sutrak air-conditioning and could carry 53 passengers each.
The Dennis Dart was in service between 1994 and 2011. After being taken out of service 92 (formerly M1, Ghim Moh to Science Park II) in 2010, the remaining fleet operated on Service 42 (formerly M2) till their end of lifespan a year later, serving the landed estate of Kembangan.
Despite its size, the Dennis Darts were not the smallest SBS buses in that era; that title went to the Nissan Civilian minibuses that were introduced by Singapore Bus Services in 1990. Furthermore in 1992, 5 Mercedes-Benz 811Ds were purchased for the two above-mentioned suburban services. These 811D minibuses were bodied by Asia Coach, had an interior similar to the B10M Mark III fleet, and were fully retired by 2003.
|
|
|
|
SBS8011S-92
While the Darts on 92 were originally meant to serve residents in Mount Sinai, it struggled to cope with the peak hour working crowd traveling between Buona Vista MRT and Science Park II. Eventually, they were replaced by 12m buses.
Owner: Singapore Buses
Views: 317
|
|
|
Side exterior view
The bodywork was supplied by Duple Metsec, and its design bore close resemble to the B10M Mark IIIs that were delivered earlier. However, the front and rear appearance are less curved for the Darts, making them easily distinguishable.
Owner: Singapore Buses
Views: 285
|
|
|
|
Front-to-rear interior view
With a reduced length, the Darts could only carry up to 53 passengers, which includes seating for 33. The interior has remained in its original form since it was first introduced, with blue seat covers and grey fabric air-con ducts.
Owner: Singapore Buses
Views: 1331
|
|
|
Rear interior section
The length difference can be felt towards the rear half of the Dart, where the Sutrak A/C unit was installed. The air-con vents were the roller type and could be adjusted. Ventilation fans were installed but they usually did not operate.
Owner: Singapore Buses
Views: 108
|
|
|
|
Rear-to-front interior view
The vertical stanchion poles for this bus had a bright yellow adhesive layer pasted over to improve visibility. The bench seats on the Dennis Darts are of a newer design; the seat handle and frame structure were made of plastic material.
Owner: Singapore Buses
Views: 371
|
|
|
Front door and left wheel arch
The vintage "Bus Stopping" and "Doors Closing" signs were supplied by S-Light (now LECIP). Side-facing bench seating were provided over both sides of the front wheel arch. The bell on the side window panel no longer has an indicator.
Owner: Singapore Buses
Views: 312
|
|
|
|
Driver dashboard
The dashboard is similar to other Darts locally or in Malaysia. The Allison transmission selector on the right has a design that is more typically seen in motorcars.
Owner: Singapore Buses
Views: 120
|
|
|
SBS8011S on 92
Owner: Singapore Buses
Views: 213
|
|
|
|
SBS8016D-42
Owner: Singapore Buses
Views: 265
|
|
|
SBS8018Z-42
Owner: Singapore Buses
Views: 252
|
|
|
