Singapore is one of the most developed countries that have a widespread network of public transportation connecting the city from north to south and east to west. With pocket-friendly fares and easy accessibility, bus transportation is the major transport system for Singaporeans and tourists after Mass Rapid Transit (MRT). With 5,800 buses currently in operation, public transport operators like SMRT Buses, SBS Transit, Tower Transit Singapore, and Go-Ahead Singapore are managing the bus fleet of Singapore and providing bus transportation services in the country.
SMRT Buses is at the forefront of introducing innovative solutions in the bus services. It has received the award for the Most Innovative/Effective Safety Programme by a Public Transport Operator at the Land Transport Excellence Awards 2019. It has implemented innovative and effective programmes to promote safety, reliability, and efficiency in the bus transportation system. Let’s check out how SMRT Buses is using innovation as an enabling strategy to improve the transport infrastructure.
1. Professional Learning and Management System (PROLEARN)
This learning and training management system leverages artificial intelligence, telematics technology, and big data analytics to provide proactive intervention to drivers who are not performing up to the mark. It helps to mitigate accident risks and reduced controllable passenger by 68%.
2. SMART Traffic Management System
The SMART traffic system consists of multisensors, radar technology, and visual lights. This system has been deployed at Bukit Panjang Integrated Transport Hub Bus Parking Area. After implementing this system, the bus accident rate has reduced drastically in the Bucket area.
3. Singapore Bus Training and Evaluation Centre
This training centre aims to help bus drivers enhance their skills and improve their career graph. The centre is equipped with team-based bus simulators. This evaluation centre along with the "Career beyond Driving" career scheme has set industry benchmarks for training bus professionals.
4. Living Lab Concept
NEC Asia Pacific and SMRT Buses are working together on the Living Lab concept that leverages different technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), software-defined networking (SDN), and video analytics to provide real-time intelligent information for improving bus services and the safety and security of commuters.
5. Information Display Panel
SMRT buses are equipped with an information panel that displays the estimated arrival time and what is the passenger load of the next bus. There are information display panels at bus interchanges that show traffic conditions to commuters.
“SMRT Buses is constantly seeking innovative ways to better serve our commuters and communities along with our bus network,” said SMRT Buses vice president Tan Kian Heong.
SMRT CEO Neo Kian Hong said, “Public transport is a people business and our people form the backboneof the organisation. Continual upgrading is one way we develop our people and identify opportunities to help each of them realise their potential.”
Neo Kian Hong further added, “We are focused on understanding our customers’ needs and defining service standards and new technologies to meet their needs. This underscores our commitment to and the emphasis we place on service delivery to better enhance your travel experience with us.”
Conclusion
SMRT Buses always look for ways to incorporate advanced technologies, refine its work processes and build a competent workforce in order to excellent travelling experience to commuters. PROLEARN, SMART Traffic Management System, Bus Training and Evaluation Centre, Living Lab Concept, and Information Display Panels are some of the innovative solutions introduced by SMRT that have enabled it to provide safe and comfortable journeys to Singaporeans.