Singapore will launch self-driving public bus trials in Marina Bay and one-north, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced on Monday (Jan 27).
The trial will begin with smaller, 16-seater autonomous buses on Service 400 (Marina Bay and Shenton Way), followed by Service 191 (one-north). These routes were chosen for their short and simple paths, with one-north already serving as a testbed for autonomous vehicles (AVs) since 2019.

LTA will initially purchase six autonomous buses, which will operate alongside existing services from mid-2026 for three years. During this phase, safety operators will be onboard. The buses will undergo real-time monitoring to ensure safe pick-ups, drop-offs, and compliance with regulations.

To enhance safety, passengers must remain seated and wear seatbelts, and a customer service officer may assist commuters. If the initial six buses perform well, LTA may expand the trial with 14 more AVs and extend it to two additional routes.

"This phased approach allows us to thoroughly assess AV technology while prioritizing public safety," LTA stated.

LTA has set specific requirements for proposals, including the inclusion of bus models, fleet management systems, remote operation capabilities, and electric charging infrastructure. Companies must also provide the necessary hardware and software for AV operations, along with maintenance and support services. The proposals will be assessed based on the maturity of AV technology, the developer’s track record in local and international deployments, and their ability to meet operational needs. LTA will also evaluate the quality of supporting infrastructure, such as fleet management and charging systems.

Source: Channel News Asia
Photo Credit: AFP