Singapore SMRT to introduce driverless public transport by end-2016 – GRT to carry 24 passengers

Generation Group Rapid Transit (GRT)-01

Singapore is set to have driverless cars in the country by the end of 2016 – to serve as public transportation. In a joint-venture between SMRT Service and Netherlands-based 2 Getthere Holding (2getthere), both will market, supply and operate 2getthere’s automated vehicle systems in Asia Pacific.

Said vehicles are able to operate autonomously regardless of weather conditions, using artificial landmarks as navigation. The Group Rapid Transit (GRT) vehicles, now in its third generation, will be able to carry some 24 passengers each.

The Vulcan Post reports that the interior configuration is flexible with eight or 12 seats, and allowing eight to 12 standing passengers. Meanwhile, said vehicle can operate as a low-cost automated transit system to cater for up to 8,000 passengers per hour in a single direction.

There will be automated doors which can open on both sides. The GRT is also capable of accommodating wheelchairs. Moreover, the air-conditioning is said to be integrated into the ceiling, therefore providing ample height and space for passengers who are standing.

The GRT is a fully-electric public transport that utilises a LiFePO4 battery. It said to be able to travel at speeds of 40 km/h. Moreover, the vehicle will be equipped with safety features for protection of its occupants, one of which includes an obstacle detection system.

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.

10% discount when you renew your car insurance

Compare prices between different insurer providers and use the promo code 'PAULTAN10' when you make your payment to save the most on your car insurance renewal compared to other competing services.

Car Insurance

Graham Chin

Having spent a number of years as a journalist for a local paper, a marketing executive for a popular German automotive brand and a copywriter, Graham, a true-blue Sarawakian, knew he had to take the leap back into the motoring scene - and so he did. To him, nothing’s better than cruising for hours along a scenic route, in a car that’s designed and built for that purpose.

 

Comments

  • hantu~~ on Apr 20, 2016 at 7:07 pm

    Ghost vehicle anywhere soon..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 8
  • albag on Apr 20, 2016 at 7:18 pm

    good luck when the island sinks

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 36
    • Vincent Ang on Apr 20, 2016 at 9:40 pm

      Islands do not sink. Did badly in school, right? This is what happens when you study Math and Science in Bahasa Melayu.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 3
    • Sound jealous…. hahaha.
      When the day it sinks, iy will be RM30 to SGD1. Hahaha

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 25 Thumb down 6
      • Darel on Apr 20, 2016 at 11:41 pm

        When the RM cut off the water & food,iy will be stop laughing.Hahaha

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 7
      • When that day comes, all SG pipu r actually China passport holders. Syukur MY still have own pipu!

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 2
  • Goodbye to those working as bus captains. Anyway, always ahead of Malaysia..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 24 Thumb down 9
  • Cannot be operated on the road. Otherwise, bigger vehicles will knock them over.

    MASDAR in UAE has similar system but that city is really a futuristic utopian ghost town. London Heathrow has one that operates from the parking lot to the air terminal. All in all, this is not widely accepted.. yet. Everyone including the authorities are still experimenting on the best model.

    Time will tell if Personal Rapid Transit will truly replace taxis and buses as last-mile solution.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 2
  • Pakulupapito on Apr 20, 2016 at 8:05 pm

    Dont put this in malaysia, taxi driver will protest

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 36 Thumb down 3
  • Meanwhile in malaysia, more toll projects will be build to ease road trafic…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 3
  • Akeel on Apr 20, 2016 at 11:47 pm

    Need to buy and offer you to manufacture at my country we will provide all facilitation. will share business of these cars , please reply . rgds MAK

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Xinchiapo Longduckdong on Apr 21, 2016 at 8:56 am

    Driverless makes no diff because Singapore prefer workers to be brainless zoids. Just a month ago, Singapore MRT train ran over its own staff doing inspection on the track, killing two. That was with driver. Kiasu management system will never be as good as one that encourages initiative.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 8
  • Goody on Apr 21, 2016 at 1:24 pm

    here comes to comments of the envious, patriotic and proud Malaysian.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 3
  • Bruce on Apr 26, 2016 at 4:59 am

    Pie in the sky, we live in a remote costal location in north Qld Australia. No public transport of any type anywhere near.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • Sharon Gilbert on Aug 17, 2016 at 12:44 pm

    Awesome

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

Add a comment

required

required