Keeping Singapore moving is no doubt a herculean task involving the maintenance of roads and trains, train tracks, and other heavy-duty infrastructure. Technology has played a major role in making transport more seamless and convenient. In Singapore, the public transportation system is on the cusp of another technological revolution, enabled by the confluence of various digital technologies launched by transport operators like SMRT Corporation and the Land Transport Authority (LTA).

Let’s take a look at some of these innovations in public transport that have kept the country moving.

•  SMRT is a part of the working group by the Emerging Stronger Taskforce to trial innovative transport solutions for commuters at Science Park II. With support from the Economic Development Board and the LTA, SMRT deployed an autonomous bus service through the Zipster mobile app.

• SMRT is working on a Digital Trains master plan to become a data-driven organisation by 2025.

• The transport operator is using Digital Twin technology to create a virtual replica of the physical system in the transport network. Digital Twin is helping the operator to run simulations and make predictions on the network’s behaviours.

• During the pandemic, SMRT launched HEALTHBOT - a customised declaration system that tracks the health and vaccination statuses of staff.

• SMRT has a customised declaration system that tracks the health and travel statuses of all taxi hirers.

• The operator is now using Robotic Process Automation (RPA) to monitor risk areas and detect instances of fraud early.

• SMRT continues to partner with the authorities, industry partners, and academic institutions to train bus captains on Autonomous Vehicle operations.

• To make station operations more effective and efficient, the company is harnessing video analytics and artificial intelligence.

• The operator is using a full-fledged asset information management system to adhere to regulatory requirements and improve data integrity and governance.

SMRT’s current CEO, Ngien Hoon Ping is well placed to lead SMRT forward in an era of digital disruption. Ngien Hoon Ping’s previously worked with NTUC FairPrice Group's supply chain business, where he implemented supply chain digitalisation and process enhancements. Hoon Ping was also the chief executive of the Land Transport Authority (LTA) from 2016 to 2020, where he helped improve rail reliability and safety. Under his supervision, the company is working on to capitalise on new growth, continuity planning, and development opportunities in this digital age.

What next?

As people seek greater convenience in public transport, the transportation system will continue to be shaped by tech and innovation. New emerging technologies offer unprecedented opportunities. Transport operators and the government need to work together to evolve Singapore’s policies, planning, and regulatory frameworks so that they can harness the most benefits of new technologies for commuters.