"That's cute! We are committed to renew our bus fleet, and have
recently purchased over 200 MAN buses. We do hope
that you have an enjoyable journey on our buses with these recent
additions!" - SMRT (https://www.facebook.com/SMRTCorpSG/posts/651304464910031)
I saw this comment at SMRT’s facebook page. I think this is the
closest to confirming that the MAN A39 Double Decker buses belong
to them. I think SMRT only wants to officially announce the
addition of MAN A39 DD buses in 2014, probably as part of their
2014 Financial Year starting on 1 April 2014. Nonetheless, this
Facebook comment is the closest to confirming that the MAN A39
Double Decker buses belong to SMRT.
According to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SMRT_Buses,
SMRT currently has 323 articulated buses. SMRT confirmed that they
have purchased over 200 MAN A39 Double Decker buses.
Maybe this is just the first batch of SMRT Double Decker buses
and there will be more batches of SMRT Double Decker buses in
future. I foresee that eventually, all the SMRT articulated buses
will be replaced by Double Decker buses and since Singapore is
anticipating larger population by 2030, some Single Deck buses may
also be replaced by Double Decker buses.
And as you've said, some rigids may be replaced by high capacity
buses. How you know only DDs can do the job? Replace 913 rigids
with bendies cannot? What if the order is way over 323, and is set
to also target the feeders and Intratowns by phasing out the
rigids, since population increasing?
Not to be against of DDs, but how you know SMRT TOTALLY gave up?
Yes, 323 bendies, but it may not be all DDs replacing 323 bendies,
right?
Sorry, but I find this speculation too far from us to say,
somehow.