To enhance the tourism experience in Ubud, Bali’s arts and culture capital, a trial shuttle bus service is set to debut today, the 22nd of September, 2023. This ambitious project results from a partnership between the Provincial Government and the Toyota Mobility Fund as part of Toyota’s Sustainable Mobility Advancing Real Transformation (SMART) @ Ubud Programme.
The SMART @ Ubud Programme represents a significant step towards sustainable tourism and urban mobility solutions in this popular Balinese tourist destination. The trial, set to run for six months, from the 22nd of September, 2023, to February 2024, is the first phase of what both partners hope will eventually become a permanent shuttle bus scheme in Ubud.
Toyota Mobility Fund, pledging USD 1.7 million, will oversee the trial and its implementation. The project will introduce two urban mobility solutions, with 21 pick-up and drop-off stops along a circular route designed to cater to the needs of both tourists and locals. All stops are conveniently located within a 10-minute distance from Ubud’s most significant and popular tourist destinations.
The shuttle service will connect travellers to iconic places such as Pura Dalem Peliatan, the Ubud District Office, Monkey Forest Entrance, the Ubud Art Market Building, Neka Art Museum, etc. The route is carefully planned to ensure maximum coverage of Ubud’s attractions, making it easier for tourists to explore the city’s cultural and natural wonders.
To access the shuttle service, tourists must download the SMART Shuttle @ Ubud app, available on Apple, Google, and Huawei app stores. After registering an account, users can conveniently book rides on the shuttle bus. QR codes for app downloads will also be prominently displayed around central Ubud, allowing tourists to install the app on the go.
The app’s user interface resembles ride-sharing platforms like Uber, Grab, or GoJek. Passengers can specify their desired pick-up and drop-off locations, select the collection time, and indicate the number of passengers. It’s important to note that bookings can only be made up to 30 minutes before the desired pick-up time. The shuttle service will operate daily between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m., providing ample opportunities for tourists to explore Ubud at their own pace.
The trial shuttle service represents a significant leap forward in Bali’s commitment to sustainable tourism and urban mobility. If successful, this project could serve as a model for other tourist destinations looking to reduce congestion, lower emissions, and improve the overall visitor experience. As the SMART @ Ubud Programme takes its first steps, it is on its way to becoming a cultural and artistic hub and a sustainable and eco-friendly tourist destination.
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