| 2getthere ParkShuttle |
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| Manufacturer | 2getthere |
| Years in operation | 2017 – |
| Operators | Nanyang Technological University (NTU) |
| Technical Data | |
| Length | 6.0 metre |
| Motor | TBC |
| Accessibility | Low Floor |
| Emission Standard | NA (Zero tailpipe emissions) |
The 2getthere ParkShuttle is an autonomous, low-floor, battery-electric minibus built by Dutch company 2getthere. With a capacity of 24 passengers, the vehicle is marketed as 2getthere’s solution to Group Rapid Transit (GRT), a form of automated rapid transit utilizing autonomous minibuses operating at high frequency.
Background Information:
2getthere is a Dutch company offering automated transit applications, ranging from Automated People Movers to Shared Autonomous Vehicles. The company’s ParkShuttle autonomous minibus is envisaged as a Group Rapid Transit (GRT) vehicle for high-frequency shuttle services, with potential applications in universities, hospitals, business parks and airports.
In Singapore, 2getthere and SMRT Services formed a joint venture in April 2016 known as 2getthere Asia, which markets, installs, operates and maintains automated vehicle systems for customers in Singapore and the Asia-Pacific. It also aims to commercialise 2getthere’s GRT vehicle system in Singapore.
Trial Information:
On 18 September 2017, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore), JTC and SMRT Services Pte Ltd (SMRT) launched “jalan” – an urban mobility solution which seamlessly integrates multiple modes of transportation, for better connectivity and accessibility. The app is termed as a Mobility-as-a-Service (MAAS) testbed.
As part of the app “jalan”, the 2getthere ParkShuttle served as an autonomous vehicle shuttle between NTU Residential Hall 12 and Hall 15, operating only in the afternoon for 2 hours on weekdays, excluding public holidays. The autonomous vehicle shuttle started in November 2017.
Autonomous Technology:
The 2getthere ParkShuttle stores an electronic map of the operating area in its on-board computer and plans its route from point A to point B. It uses LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and ultrasound radars installed at the vehicle’s bumper to guide the vehicle around while detecting obstructions. Cameras provide visual feedback to the vehicle operations centre.
While the vehicle is moving, the distance travelled is measured using wheel revolution counters. However, to deal with minor inaccuracies arising from changes in vehicle load (full or empty) or an uneven or slippery road surface, magnets embedded in the road surface are used as calibration points and are installed at regular intervals along the route.
Using this method of guidance, the vehicle is able to determine its location accurately to within 3 cm, sufficient for the vehicle to stop accurately at en-route bus stops.
Charging System:
Plug-in Charging System
See Also: Autonomous Buses in Singapore
2getthere ParkShuttle:
| Basic Technical Specifications | |
| Size | 6.0m (Length) x 2.1m (Width) x 2.8m (Height) |
| Weight | Vehicle Weight: 3,300kg | Maximum weight: 5,418kg |
| Motor / Battery | 2x 18.4 kWh Electric Motors Paired with 2x 46 Ah @ 400 V DC Li-ion nano NMC batteries |
| Bodywork | Not Applicable (Integral bodywork) |
| Seating Capacity | Configurable Standard: 8 Seated, 16 Standing Maximum: 12 Seated, 6 Standing |
| Door | 1 set of Sliding Plug Doors |
| Maximum Operating Speed | Up to 60 km/h |
| Operating Range | > 50km in normal operational conditions |
Mobility-as-a-Service Testbed:
Hall of Residence 12 – Hall of Residence 15 Shuttle
Since November 2017, the 2getthere ParkShuttle operated a 350m shuttle service between NTU Hall of Residence 12 to NTU Hall of Residence 15, with an intermediate stop at NTU Hall of Residence 13.
The shuttle operates only in the afternoon for 2 hours on weekdays, excluding public holidays
NTU Hall of Residence 12
NTU Hall of Residence 13
NTU Hall of Residence 14 / 15
Further Trials
On 16 April 2018, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by 2getthere, NTU and SMRT Services, to integrate the 2getthere ParkShuttle into NTU’s transport network as part of the NTU Smart Campus by 2019.
The 350m shuttle service between NTU Halls 12 & 15 would be expanded to a 500m route which includes NTU South Spine and Canteen 2 in Q4 2018.
In the future, the ParkShuttle will operate between NTU’s halls of residences and the main academic areas.
External Links & References:
- 2getthere Projects – Nanyang University – 2getthere
- jalan: Join Singapore’s First Mobility-As-A-Service Testbed – NTU
- MoU for NTU Singapore – 2getthere
- SMRT and 2getthere partner to bring automated vehicles to Singapore – Channel NewsAsia
- Driverless minibuses to be rolled out at NTU by 2019 – ChannelNewsAsia
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