New Delhi: Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF), established by Toyota Motor Corporation, has joined hands with the Bali Provincial Government to introduce the Sustainable Mobility Advancing Real Transformation (SMART) @Ubud Program. This initiative is set to run as a 6-month closed eco-system trial from September 2023 to February 2024.
Co-organized in partnership with Deloitte Future of Mobility Solution Centre (Deloitte) and backed by the Transport Department of the Provincial Government of Bali, and Toyota Indonesia, the SMART @Ubud Program is geared towards driving efficient and sustainable transportation solutions through data-driven and electrified means.
Underlining its commitment, TMF will invest USD 1.7 million (IDR 26 billion) to implement two cutting-edge mobility solutions within the picturesque surroundings of Ubud, Bali. One of them is ‘On-Demand xEV Shuttle Service’. It is an innovative fleet of ten on-demand electric vehicles. They will operate across the Central Ubud Area, offering convenient stops within a 10-minute walking distance from major tourist attractions and local hotspots.
The other is ‘Real-Time Bus Schedule Displays’. Nine digital display monitors will be strategically placed at high-traffic bus stops along the Trans Metro Dewata Route. These displays will provide real-time bus schedules, ensuring commuters have accurate information at their fingertips.
TMF is not only focused on implementing these solutions but also on fostering local capacity-building initiatives. The ultimate goal is to devise practical recommendations for sustainable and viable business models that cater to the local community’s needs. This effort aims to tackle air pollution, traffic congestion, and promote the use of electrified public transportation in Ubud. Importantly, these recommendations are designed to serve as a blueprint, allowing governments and interested parties to replicate and scale the model throughout Bali, Indonesia, and beyond.
Ubud was chosen as the ideal location due to its status as a prominent tourist destination and its strong sustainability ethos, making it an optimal testing ground for innovative mobility solutions.
The SMART @Ubud initiative seamlessly aligns with Bali’s aspirations of becoming a hub for electrified vehicles and echoes the broader objectives of Bali Province’s 2026 electric mobility plan. Through this program, TMF is set to uncover the prerequisites and conditions necessary to scale electrified vehicles, playing a pivotal role in Bali’s journey towards decarbonization.
The SMART @Ubud solutions at a glance:
SMART Shuttle @Ubud: A smart xEV shuttle service backed by a user-friendly app, offering convenient transportation for tourists and residents. The service deploys both battery electric and hybrid electric vehicles for seamless on-demand travel.
Dynamic Bus Schedule Displays: These displays, developed in collaboration with Papercast, visualize real-time bus schedules and relevant information at key bus stops, promoting enhanced public bus usage and better journey planning.
Pras Ganesh, Executive Program Director of the Toyota Mobility Foundation, said, “We are working towards creating a blueprint of a sustainable business model that will allow the community of Ubud to scale the impact achieved during this trial. We are excited to launch this solution alongside all our partners, who are likeminded with the aims of promoting the concept of mobility for all and carbon neutrality.”
