SMRT, JTC, and NTU to develop transport solutions for a car-lite Singapore

They will be forming a Mobility-as-a-Service Lab.

Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore), JTC and SMRT Services Pte Ltd (SMRT) are joining their hands as they develop innovative solutions that seamlessly integrate multiple modes of transportation, for better connectivity and accessibility.

This is in line with the Singapore government's aim of making the city-state a living lab to develop and test new urban solutions.

The three institutions signed a memorandum of understanding, pacing the way for the formation of a ‘Mobility-as-a-Service Lab’. In a joint press release, the three said this initiative leverages each of their strengths to fulfill the car-lite vision. These advantages include NTU Singapore’s capabilities in research and development, evaluating engineering trials and data analytics, JTC’s expertise in master planning of industrial parks and the development of innovative infrastructure, and SMRT’s experience as a multi-modal transport operator.

‘Mobility-as-a-Service Lab’ will be the first-of-its-kind in the region aimed at improving commuters’ travel experience by seamlessly integrating train and bus networks with next-generation transport modes. These include electric automated vehicles, bike sharing systems and personal mobility devices such as e-scooters. Commuters will be able to use multiple transport modes and travel to further locations conveniently, without relying on personal cars.

SMRT has been developing its Mobility-as-a-Service capabilities to provide a customised solution and user-friendly digital platform through which commuters can decide on their preferred travel mode based on time, cost and convenience. NTU Singapore’s lush campus and CleanTech Park in Jurong Innovation District will be transformed into a live test-bed for the integration of multiple transportation options and new technologies.

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.

"Leveraging on NTU's deep expertise in engineering and low-carbon transportation solutions, we are confident that this partnership will develop innovative transportation solutions that support the vision for a car-lite Singapore," Boey noted.

JTC CEO Png Cheong Boon said this partnership would leverage on the Jurong Innovation District to develop and implement new urban mobility solutions.

He added, "We believe that these efforts will not only improve last mile connectivity in Jurong Innovation District but also transform the commuter experience."

Meanwhile, SMRT CEO Desmond Kuek said this will aim to facilitate more efficient and seamless commuter journeys through the integration of mass transport modes such as trains and buses with new personal mobility options.

"With the development of better tools for demand aggregation, SMRT looks forward to working with our partners at NTU and JTC for more synergistic planning, operations and management of their entire transport systems to fulfil their community’s needs," he stressed.

Among the first few projects to be undertaken by the joint research lab will be the development of a comprehensive transport master plan for the NTU Singapore campus and CleanTech Park. Conducted by urban mobility managers, engineering researchers and land use planners from the three partners, the transport master plan will leverage on technologies and data analytics to assess the feasibility of integrating automated vehicles, new bike/scooter sharing systems and promotion of the use of bicycles and e-scooter within these locations.