The first Mercedes-Benz Citaro went into trial operation in the SMRT (Singapore Mass Rapid Transit) transport system in Singapore. This step marks a milestone for local public transport in Singapore as this Citaro was the first low-floor bus to operate in Singapore – or anywhere in southeast Asia. The successful completion of this trial could pave the way for additional Citaro urban buses in the SMRT fleet. In the past SMRT has repeatedly taken on a pioneering role by introducing new types of regular-service buses. For example TIBS (Trans Island Bus Singapore), which was later integrated into SMRT, was the first operator back in 1996 to use Mercedes-Benz articulated buses in Singapore. Today the long-time Mercedes-Benz customer operates 900 urban buses in the southeast Asian metropolis. 770 of these buses are based on the Mercedes-Benz OC 500, O 405 and O 405 G chassis.

The Mercedes-Benz Citaro is one of the biggest sellers in the history of regular-service buses. Now being produced in its second generation, more than 27,000 units of the vehicle have come off the assembly line since its series production began in 1998. Its presence in almost all the metropolises of Europe and far beyond have helped boost its international reputation. First introduced at the UTP Congress in Stuttgart in 1997, since that time the Citaro has achieved one success after another as an urban and rural-service bus. Yet another confirmation of its outstanding position as a forerunner in the segment came in 2009 with a sales record of around 4000 units.

One reason for the success of the Mercedes-Benz Citaro is the variety in its range. The programme of this bestseller worldwide among low-floor regular-service buses includes 28 different variants. This unusually wide variety of models is possible thanks to its sophisticated modular system which allows for tailor-made solutions for customers. The selection available ranges from the compact Citaro K with a length of 10.5 m to the four-axle 19.54-m CapaCity large-capacity articulated bus which is derived from the Citaro modular system. With this unique range the Citaro covers all the possible transport needs of the local public bus companies in urban and regular-service operation.