The students at the National University of Singapore (NUS) are now able to zap around the campus on e-scooters.
Grab’s innovation arm, Grab Ventures, is collaborating with NUS to introduce an electric scooter (e-scooter) sharing service on the NUS Kent Ridge campus.
The three-month trial, which started on 19 November 2018, saw e-scooters being deployed across eight parking stations on campus. The number of parking locations will be increased progressively to 30 by the end of December this year.
NUS noted in a press statement that this is also the first time that the new shared active mobility app, called GrabWheels, is being tested in Singapore.
The pilot programme will offer a green transportation option for NUS staff and students. Grab and NUS will also study the patterns of how commuters utilise the shared e-scooters, to gain insights into how e-scooters can help address transportation needs on campus.
Smoother ride across campus
During the pilot period, users will pay a special rate of S$0.20 for every 30 minutes of use, and they can make payment using GrabPay. They will also receive 5x GrabRewards Points for every dollar spent. All rides also include insurance coverage, at no additional cost to users.
“We are delighted to collaborate with Grab to introduce e-scooters to support the growing commuting needs of the NUS community," said Professor Yong Kwet Yew, NUS Senior Vice President (Campus Infrastructure). "This partnership with Grab not only provides a last-mile transportation option for NUS students and staff, but it also offers interesting research opportunities to develop innovative mobility solutions that could shape the future of urban transportation.”
Mr Chris Yeo, Head of Grab Ventures, said, “Grab is proud to partner with NUS and to support them in their campus sustainability initiative. (This partnership) is a good example of how Grab can work together with local communities and cities to improve transportation and urban mobility for all.”
Nicholas Tey, Year 4 undergraduate student from the NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, added, “As students, we have to move around the campus frequently to attend classes, meet our friends or to run errands. These e-scooters offer us an alternative to taking the shuttle buses, especially when we are in a hurry and the bus has yet to arrive. The parking locations are conveniently located near places where students usually hang out. The GrabWheels app is also easy to use, and I will use the service often.”