Singapore is taking a major step toward the integration of autonomous vehicles (AVs) in public transport by launching pilot trials of driverless buses in its central business district. Beginning in mid-2026, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) will introduce a fleet of six 16-seat autonomous buses on designated routes within the city’s financial hub, marking one of the region’s most ambitious driverless public transport trials to date. Each AV will initially be staffed with safety operators as the system undergoes real-world testing and regulatory assessment, aiming to provide seamless first- and last-mile connectivity for office workers and visitors.
The AV trial is designed to evaluate both the technical reliability and operational viability of autonomous buses under the complex, high-density conditions unique to Singapore’s downtown core. Routes have been selected for mature travel patterns and efficient digital infrastructure, providing a controlled environment to monitor the AVs’ performance in interaction with conventional vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. The data and feedback garnered will inform potential adjustments to route planning, service intervals, and technical specifications, shaping the future mass deployment of such services.
Singapore’s broader vision includes expanding AV services to other towns and suburban areas, such as the initial phases already planned for Punggol and Tengah, eventually forming part of the government’s “Smart Mobility 2040” target of achieving twenty-minute towns and a forty-five-minute city commute. By alleviating manpower constraints and improving transport accessibility around the clock, autonomous public transport is slated to play a pivotal role in the city-state’s strategy to build a more sustainable, agile, and inclusive urban mobility ecosystem.
(Source: The Straits Times)
