SMRT-backed startup eyes merging transport options in one app

Travel options range from e-scooters to driverless electric-driven pods that can connect commuters to trains.

mobilityX, a SMRT seed-funded startup, is eyeing the launch of an app that lets commuters book different transport options by the end of 2018. Travel options range from e-scooters that can be used by individuals to zip around town, to driverless electric-driven pods that move larger numbers of commuters that connects people to MRT and bus networks, it said in a statement.

mobilityX was incorporated in February 2018 to provide integrated “mobility-as-a-service” (MaaS) solutions to commuters and companies. It said it currently doing this through strategic marketing, payment services and data analytics, and strengthen its capability to serve as a transportation solutions planner.

In partnership with the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and JTC, mobilityX has been test-bedding its MaaS solution in the NTU campus and JTC’s Clean Tech Park since August 2017. mobilityX has also launched MaaS projects in a large mixed-use development and a hospital.

mobilityX has also collaborated with key players in the mobility industry, including Airbike, Continental, Deloitte, Floatility, Mobike , Neuron Mobility, Obike, SWAT mobile, Telepod and 2getthere Asia, to offer commuters various urban mobility options through an integrated platform.

“The Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) has been supporting mobilityX in the development and scale-up of its business. This is part of the EDB’s efforts to step up support for large local enterprises in the creation of new businesses that are complementary, adjacent or even disruptive,” the company said.

SMRT president and group CEO Desmond Kuek said, “New technologies and business models are reshaping the transportation experience of commuters in Singapore and around the world. In line with SMRT’s vision of ‘Moving People, Enhancing Lives’, SMRT recognises the opportunity and value that Mobility-as-a-Service can bring to commuters’ end-to-end experience through its investment into capabilities under mobilityX.”

mobilityX also signed a MOU with Singtel on 20 March 2018 that will allow DataSpark, Singtel’s advanced analytics arm, and mobilityX to explore the use of data analytics to support MaaS solutions in Singapore. “Singtel International will also explore with mobilityX the integration of Singtel’s mobile payments platform with mobilityX’s MaaS app to support customer payment and/or check-out services through mobile wallet and direct carrier billing,” it added.

A MOU with CapitaLand was also signed to allow a joint exploration for urban solutions for real estate in Singapore and the region.
mobilityX CEO Colin Lim said, “The transportation sector is being disrupted today - we want to be at the forefront of providing innovative solutions to enhance the commuter experience. We are delighted to partner Singtel and CapitaLand in promoting and implementing MaaS solutions in Singapore and the region. This is a significant milestone for us, and speaks to the confidence of these leading companies in new mobility solutions and in mobilityX.”