Singapore is planning to add driverless buses on its public roads by 2022.
The government plans to pilot in three new neighbourhoods which will have less-crowded roads designed to accommodate the buses.
The buses will be used to help residents travel in their communities, and to nearby train and bus stations. Singapore hopes driverless technology will help the country manage its land constraints and manpower shortages.
Singapore’s Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan said in a statement, “The autonomous vehicles will greatly enhance the accessibility and connectivity of our public transport system, particularly for the elderly, families with young children and the less mobile.”
These driverless buses are expected to complement existing manned bus services, and will initially operate during off-peak hours.
Also, the government plans to let commuters hail on-demand shuttles using their mobile phones.
Singapore has less traffic congestion compared to many other cities in Southeast Asia, due to road tolls and policies that promote public transport.
The country also hopes to become a leader in driverless technologies. Driverless taxis are already being trialled in Singapore.
Speaking at the launch of a test centre for self-driving vehicles on Wednesday, Mr Khaw said, “Our land transport constraints may help us become a global player in urban mobility solutions. What works here is likely to also work in other cities.”
The new centre will allow driverless developers to test how their cars and buses would handle pedestrians, heavy rain, aggressive drivers, cyclists, scooters and other road scenarios.
Mr Khaw added that there are at least 10 companies are currently testing driverless car technology in Singapore.
