Singapore, Dutch Firm Launch Automated Transit Venture

Utrecht, Netherlands-based 2 Getthere Holding BV and Singapore’s SMRT Services Pte. Ltd. multi-modal transit service have formed a joint venture to market, supply and operate automated transport vehicles in Asia Pacific.

The new company, 2getthere Asia Pte Ltd. will promote 2getthere’s third-generation group transit vehicles, which will be able to autonomously carry as many as 24 passengers at a time. The companies say an installed system of such carriers could transport 8,000 passengers per hour.

The shuttles developed by 2getthere work on exclusive right-of-way routes, guided by small passive magnets placed every 2 meters. Typical applications include parking lot shuttles, connectors between urban and residential areas and transport within campuses, industrial parks and resorts.

The Dutch company is operating second-generation systems now in Abu Dhabi and the Netherlands. Its third-generation system, which offers more features, will be unveiled in Singapore by year-end. The partners expect to gradually move into mixed-use applications for the 2getthere system, in which its vehicles would share the roadway with conventional cars and trucks.