No car, no problem.
No car? No problem. No more COE and traffic jam woes as you can soon get to your desired destination by arranging a variety of transport modes.
Nanyang Technological University (NTU), SMRT Services Pte Ltd (SMRT), and JTC Corporation have teamed up in a joint research lab to make public transport smoother and more convenient for the average Singapore commuter. The trio have signed an agreement that aims to “seamlessly integrate” traditional bus and train services with new transport modes, reports Singapore Business Review.
According to SMRT, the initiative known as ‘Mobility-as-a-Service Lab’ aims to provide better connectivity and accessibility. It is the first of its kind aimed at improving commuters’ travel experience by connecting train and bus networks with next-generation transport modes. These transport modes include electric-automated vehicles, bike-sharing systems and personal mobility devices such as e-scooters.
You will then be able to rely on those multiple transport modes and travel to further locations without relying on personal cars.
According to The Straits Times, the digital platform will allow commuters to decide on their preferred travel mode, filtering by time, cost and convenience. An app will also be developed so that commuters can plan their journeys based on their preferences.
“Within 12 months we will develop an app, bring in new modes of transport and see how to integrate the old and the new so that commuters will benefit,” said SMRT Services managing director Colin Lim.
Mr Desmond Kuek, President and Group Chief Executive Officer of SMRT Corporation Limited, said, “The urban mobility landscape is changing rapidly as Singaporeans explore and adapt to more accessible and convenient modes of transportation.”
NTU Provost Professor Freddy Boey said: “The provision of an integrated, sustainable and affordable public transportation is a key condition in improving user satisfaction while promoting sustainability.
Live testing will be conducted on NTU Singapore’s campus and CleanTech Park in Jurong Innovation District. The locations will be transformed for the integration of multiple transportation options and new technologies. Transportation options include autonomous vehicles and personal mobility devices.
The initiative will then eventually be expanded to the surrounding areas of Bulim, Behar and Tengah.
In a joint press release, they acknowledged that each of the trio will play a role in achieving a car-lite Singapore. They would be leveraging on NTU’s deep expertise in engineering and low-carbon transportation solutions and capabilities in research and development; JTC’s expertise in master planning of industrial parks and the development of innovative infrastructure; SMRT’s experience as a multi-modal transport operator.
Mr Png Cheong Boon, Chief Executive Officer for JTC said: “The partnership with NTU and SMRT will leverage on the Jurong Innovation District, our largest living lab, to develop and implement new urban mobility solutions. We believe that these efforts will not only improve last mile connectivity in Jurong Innovation District, but also transform commuter experience.”
While JTC and SMRT said it is too early to say how much the project might cost, NTU said it will pump in $3 million over the next three years. The university will also have 20 researchers working on the project.