A 'Niu' Way To Travel 🚌
We autonomously took a ride aboard a self-driving bus at Singapore Science Park 2. Limited time only.
With the popularity of on-demand services growing rapidly, even transportation has hopped on the bandwagon (pun intended) in recent years. We have the latest scoop on the on-demand autonomous bus trial currently plying Singapore Science Park 2. Here's what we think of it.
A bus by any other name would function as smoothly
From now to 30 April 2021, tenants and visitors of Singapore Science Park 2 (as well as bus enthusiasts) would be able to spot an electric minibus cruising between The Galen @ Singapore Science Park 2 and Haw Par Villa MRT station.
Measuring seven metres with a capacity of 10-seated passengers at any given time, the self-driving bus runs on weekdays (excluding public holidays), 10am to 5pm, operating in place of the off-peak manual shuttle service.
Easy peasy, booking breezy
The on-demand bus service brings about convenience we're sure passengers will appreciate. To book a seat, all you have to do is to download the Zipster app (available on the App Store and Google Play Store), select the nearest stop from where you are as well as your destination and wait for the bus to make its way there.
Booking experience is "friend-friendly" too, for you can add up to 3 passengers per booking. Or if you prefer to ride solo and are lucky enough, you may get to have the bus all to yourself as it will run even if only one passenger has booked the trip.
Even though this on-demand service is a first for tenants at Singapore Science Park 2, members of the public can also book a trip to take them to their desired stop along the route. Bus enthusiasts and otaku-s are welcome!
Look mum. No hands! Also, two hands!
Upon getting on the bus at the stop outside of The Galen, we were greeted by a service ambassador who reminded us to belt up when seated (safety first!). And off we went!
If you're still on the fence about it, this info should reassure you. A safety driver is on standby in the driver's seat to take over control of the bus in the event of any unforeseen traffic circumstances.
The bus then made its way into West Coast Highway and the driver took control of the bus. We learnt that due to guidelines by the Land Transport Authority, the bus is required to be manually driven on highways! #TheMoreYouKnow
Eventually, we got off at our stop. Our verdict? It felt like any other ride, with the added cool factor that it's self-driving and it can be booked as and when (yay!). Does it do the job? Yes.
Will we ride it again? Definitely.
Safety driver going handsfree as the bus cruises along Singapore Science Park Road (Credit: SMRT Corporation Ltd)
Editor's note: SMRT Corporation Ltd operates the bus in this trial. The video below features an overview of the autonomous bus trial and an interview with one of their safety drivers. Enjoy!
(Credit: SMRT Corporation Ltd)