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SMRT Services has formed a joint venture (JV) with 2 Getthere Holding (2getthere) in a bid to market, supply and operate 2getthere’s automated vehicle systems in the Asia-Pacific region.

Named 2getthere Asia, the new Singapore-based JV will display 2getthere-developed, third-generation Group Rapid Transit (GRT) vehicle capabilities in Singapore later this year.

A replica of the automated vehicle has already been launched in the presence of Dutch Ambassador to Singapore Jacques Werner and SMRT Corporation president and group CEO Desmond Kuek.

The third-generation GRT will be unveiled with new and advanced features in order to meet the growing demand for automated vehicles in the Asia-Pacific region.

2getthere founder and chairman Carel van Helsdingen said: "We are delighted to join forces with SMRT Services to further market 2getthere’s proven systems in the Asia-Pacific region, a high-growth sector for innovative transport technologies in the coming years."

2getthere’s GRT vehicles, which can carry up to 24 passengers each, are able to operate autonomously in all adverse weather conditions by using artificial landmarks for navigation.

They can handle up to 8,000 passengers every hour in any direction, thereby easing traffic flow in the region.

"The Automated Vehicles will complement our existing multi-modal transport operations to bring about seamless connectivity for commuters."

The automated vehicles can also operate as a low-cost transit system.

SMRT Services managing director Colin Lim said: "As part of the JV, SMRT Services will leverage on our experience in installation, operations and maintenance of transit systems to realise these solutions locally.

"The Automated Vehicles will complement our existing multi-modal transport operations to bring about seamless connectivity for commuters."

The GRT vehicles can also work as horizontal elevators, while passengers can select their destination as they enter the vehicles, thus allowing vehicles to stop at every station selected, reported PCMag.

Image: The GRT vehicle. Photo: courtesy of 2getthere.