SINGAPORE - A new degree programme will be launched in September to train professionals who can use technology to manage traffic and ease congestion.

On Tuesday (July 26), the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) signed a memorandum of understanding with Continental Automative to launch the new three-year honours programme in telematics, a multi-disciplinary field covering electrical and transportation engineering, computing and electronics.

The course will start with a pioneer batch of more than 50 students.

"The field of telematics and intelligent transportation systems is growing rapidly as vehicles incoporate more functionalities, while transport managers make greater use of technologies to manage traffic, ease congestion and enhance transportation safety," said Professor Loh Han Tong, academic deputy president and provost for SIT.

Engineers from Continental will be guest lecturers and adjunct professors for the programme, and students will get the chance to get work experience through an eight-month integrated work study programme at Continental's premises in Boon Keng.

"I am confident the course will equip graduates with a well-rounded engineering capability and much needed hands-on experience to make them industry ready," said Continental managing director Lo Kien Foh, who is also on the industry advisory committee at SIT.

Continental also launched the iOS version of its Park&Go@SG app, which allows users to find available parking at carparks around the island.

The app now covers 78 per cent of all carparks here, a 22 per cent increase November 2015 when the Android version of the app was launched. It allows users to provide live updates on unlisted carparks and those without electronic gantries.