Background and Challenges
A research-intensive university, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) is ranked amongst the world’s top universities. With the vision of a Smart Campus, NTU Singapore harnesses digital technology and technology-enabled solutions to create better learning and living experiences on its campuses, including a digital transformation of the parking and electric vehicle (EV) charging experience. This effort is also in line with the University’s commitment to decarbonisation and sustainability, as it strives to achieve carbon neutrality and 50 per cent reduction in carbon emissions by 2035.
With 59 car parks spread across its main, One-north and Novena campuses in 2019, NTU Singapore wanted an integrated, fully digitalised parking system to effectively manage the car parks and collect data to enhance the parking experience.
The University was also keen to make the parking experience more user-friendly for all motorists. Motorists faced challenges looking for available parking lots and being delayed due to gantry barriers. Payment for parking and applications for season parking were also manual in nature.
EV drivers faced additional difficulties, including limited EV lots with charging points on campus. Such lots may also be hogged by other EV drivers who charge their cars for extended periods of time, or by non-EV drivers. As EVs are more eco-friendly, the University wanted to improve parking accessibility for EV drivers, to encourage more green practices in line with its sustainability goals.
The Solution: GoParkin Smart Car Park System
In 2020, NTU Singapore became the first in the country to launch a barrier-free GoParkin™ Smart Car Park System, which was developed in partnership with and managed by ST Engineering. Paired with the GoParkin mobile app, the system integrates the latest technologies, including Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), data analytics and mobile payment technologies to make parking easier across the University’s campuses, leading to higher customer satisfaction and a reduction of more than 50 per cent of the time needed to handle barrier-related issues.
Building on this, EV charging was integrated into the GoParkin Smart Car Park System in 2023. New features were introduced:
These aim to enhance EV users’ experience in car parks, encouraging greater EV adoption in the long run.
This also marks Singapore’s first Integrated Smart Car Park and EV Charging System that facilitates seamless parking, EV charging and parking transactions to be made through one GoParkin mobile app.
Greater Convenience for All Motorists
The GoParkin mobile app facilitates a more seamless parking experience for motorists.
For one, motorists can check the real-time car park occupancy in the app and navigate easily to the nearest available car park. This saves them time and effort in locating a parking lot.
Motorists can also register their vehicle and payment details in the app. Upon entering the University’s smart car park, the AI-driven ANPR camera recognises the vehicle number plate for entry and exit. With NTU’s car parks becoming barrier-free, this has led to higher customer satisfaction due to a more hassle-free entry and exit.
The app also offers the convenience of digital transactions. Parking and EV charges are automatically billed through the app, and motorists can view their transaction history at any time. Season parking applications can be submitted via the app, eliminating the need for paperwork and manual processing. For non-frequent visitors, they can also make payment via QR code without needing to download the app.
For EV users, the GoParkin mobile app also allows them to quickly find EV charging points at NTU. They can charge their vehicle, monitor their charging status, and make payment easily without needing to use separate parking and EV charging apps. The charging process is also more straightforward and intuitive, and with features designed to prevent hogging of EV lots, EV users can be assured of finding a charging point when they need it.
Data-Driven, Effective Management and Cost Savings for NTU Singapore
The GoParkin Smart Car Park System operates on a cloud-based platform, allowing for a centralised overview and management of the car parks and EV charging operations on campus. The University can have a real-time overview of the parking occupancy of all its car parks at any time. Additionally, NTU Singapore can tap on the system’s advanced analytics to generate useful insights, allowing it to optimise its operations and revenue streams.
Transitioning to the GoParkin Smart Car Park System has also reduced NTU’s operational and maintenance costs by more than 10 per cent. Unlike conventional Electronic Parking Systems, which require DSRC antenna, in-vehicle units, cash card payment modules and car park barriers, the barrier-free system is equipment-lite. With payments being processed via the mobile app, the need for physical payment stations is reduced. The system also includes an asset management module that identifies preventive maintenance needs, extending equipment life and preventing costly downtime.
The GoParkin Smart Car Park System has also enabled NTU Singapore to optimise its manpower deployment, while enhancing security coverage. Going barrier-free has significantly reduced the time needed to manage barrier-related issues.
In recognition of the innovativeness of its barrier-free Smart Car Park System, NTU was honoured with the Singapore Business Review’s annual Technology Excellence Award in the IoT – Education category in 2021.
Know more about GoParkin Smart Car Park and Electric Vehicle Charging solutions.
Contact us
1-min read
5-min read
