Not impossible, and I wouldn't call it a plot twist, as LTA can
do so, not something outside of expectation.
This is the thing: there's still a reason why it's unlikely that
SMRT will get SG-registered B9TLs. Take note that I said
unlikely, not impossible. This is simply because SMRT and
TIBS before it have never procured Volvo buses for use before,
which we could say is because CDG is the Volvo dealer (or whatever
reason, really, that's not the point).
If SMRT were to take in a batch of B9TLs under BSEP, they would
have a hard time training their BCs to drive the B9TLs, as well as
maintaining the B9TLs. Not to mention that this will in all
likelihood be a temporary arrangement, since if SMRT were to get SG
B9TLs they would likely be transferred off to Tower Transit by the
middle of the year, so they probably figure it's really not worth
their time learning the ins and outs of B9TLs only to lose them
after a matter of months. Better stick to SBS-spec Citaros,
because while they may be SBS-spec, they're still Citaros, which at
least SMRT maintenance is familiar with.
That said, I still see a need for more SMRT HC buses, whether
they be Volvos or not.