5 August 2015 - The Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) and Land Transport Authority (LTA) have launched Beeline, a mobile app that allows commuters to pre-book rides on express private bus routes. LTA and IDA have partnered private bus companies such as Bus-Plus to operate the initial set of buses routes listed on the app.
Singapore, 5 August 2015 | For Immediate Release
The Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) and Land Transport Authority (LTA) have launched Beeline, a mobile app that allows commuters to pre-book rides on express private bus routes. LTA and IDA have partnered private bus companies such as Bus-Plus to operate the initial set of buses routes listed on the app.
Beeline is an experiment developed by IDA and LTA to explore how transport networks can be made more adaptive to changing commuter demand. The experimental private bus routes are computer-generated by analysing historical travel patterns and crowd-sourced suggestions on the Beeline website. Since going live in April 2015, Beeline’s website has crowdsourced about 3,400 suggested routes. This helps bus operators identify routes with viable commuter demand for faster and more direct bus rides, and offer bus services along these routes. The Beeline app completes the cycle by allowing commuters to book seats on these services. In addition to providing more direct journeys for its commuters, Beeline experiments with the possibility that bus routes and timings can be adapted in response to commuter feedback and demand over time.
The first experimental bus routes had started running on 3 August, with four routes from Marine Parade, Pasir Ris, Punggol and Tampines to the Central Business District (CBD) during the morning peak period. There is also one route from the CBD back to Marine Parade during the evening peak period. At least ten more routes are expected in the coming months.
Beeline users will be able to book single or multi-day tickets, ensuring a guaranteed seat and a comfortable ride to work on working days. With no more than five pick-up stops for each route, the journey would be more direct and faster than taking public transport. Prices are set by the bus operators, with introductory prices of $4 to $6 per trip, and discounts for every five days booked.
Bus-Plus is one of the key partners listing bus routes on the Beeline app and operating buses as part of the experiment. “Bus-Plus is excited to support Singapore’s Smart Nation vision through efforts to continually provide new and innovative transport solutions for commuters. Beeline will provide commuters with another option in journey planning, and we are anticipating positive commuter experience feedback on the first routes introduced. We look forward to working together with LTA and IDA to progressively roll out more routes.” said Benny Lim, Managing Director of SMRT Roads, which will be running three of the Beeline routes.
Other operators who are listing buses on Beeline include Aedge Holdings and Commute Solutions Group (sharetransport.sg). IDA and LTA welcome participation from other private bus operators interested in listing routes on the Beeline app.
The Beeline experiment is expected to run until the first quarter of next year, after which IDA and LTA will assess commuter response and if the concept can be applied more widely. The Beeline app is available for free on the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store under the title “Beeline SG”. Commuters can learn more at www.beeline.sg.
ISSUED BY INFOCOMM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE (IDA) AND LAND TRANSPORT AUTHORITY (LTA)
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About Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
The mission of the IDA is to develop information technology and telecommunications within Singapore with a view to serve citizens of all ages and companies of all sizes. IDA does this by actively supporting the growth of innovative technology companies and start-ups in Singapore, working with leading global IT companies as well as developing excellent information technology and telecommunications infrastructure, policies and capabilities for Singapore. For more news and information, visit www.ida.gov.sg. Follow IDA on Facebook and Twitter.
About Land Transport Authority (LTA)
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is a statutory board under the Ministry of Transport of Singapore. LTA plans the long-term transport needs of and spearheads land transport developments for our city-state. While serving commuters by providing an integrated and user-friendly transport system, LTA addresses wider issues such as sustainable development, economic growth, and community life. We also work with leading companies to develop innovative transport solutions, and making Singapore's transport system greener, cleaner, and more people-centred. For information, visit www.lta.gov.sg or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
For media clarifications, please contact:
Christopher KOH (Mr)
Manager, Corporate and Marketing Communication
Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
DID: (65) 6211 1709
Email: christopher_koh@imda.gov.sg
Sumita d/o Sreedharan
Assistant Manager, Media Relations
Land Transport Authority
DID: (65) 6396 1948
Email: media@lta.gov.sg
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