Why are all SBST and SMRT buses fitted with automatic gearboxes only? Why no manual? Is it because manual is troublesome? I find acceleration of manual gearbox better, as u have the control. What do u all think?
It is easier to drive
That's why when the auto driving test comes in, they are not allowed to drive manual cars if they get the cert
Driving an automatic car means you can accelerate in one fluid movement with the "D" button depressed. Whereas, you have to step on the clutch and engage a different gear for manual cars.
Auto transmission: Vrooooooooooooommm (one continuous sound)
Manual transmission: Vroom *step on clutch, engage gear* Vrooooomm *step on clutch, engage gear* Vroooooooommm
Also, there is no worry of having the engine cut off if you have to brake suddenly.
adding on to wat iveco said, using a manual clutch would not make a ride a smooth and comfortable one, at least not at the level an automatic transmission can bring.
automatic transmission also makes it easier for BCcs to learn and less distracting on the road.
also, manual transmission is more suited if the driver likes to have control over his vehicle in a sense that he wants to speed, but in singaporean context, the authorities or the bus companies surely are not thinking in that way.