AfA rolls out first driverless bus service in Singapore

The pilot programme is expected to end on 30 April.

The Alliance for Action (AfA) on Robotics 1 has deployed on-demand autonomous bus services at Singapore Science Park 2 and Jurong Island on 25 January.

“This marks the first time autonomous buses are operating a revenue service in Singapore, bringing local autonomous vehicle services and solutions one step closer towards commercialisation, domestically and abroad,” a statement from ST Engineering read.

Through the pilot programme, the AfA would create a track record which “demonstrates services that meet commuters’ need for safe, reliable, and efficient modes of transportation” by implementing two routes which differ in physical conditions, commuter and partner mix, service and vehicle type, as well as operation concepts.

The pilot would be facilitated by the Singapore Economic Development Board and the Land Transport Authority. It’s expected to end on 30 April. The AfA would then evaluate the findings before working out what to do next.

Concurrently, the AfA has also been working with trade unions to develop training and upskilling pathways for bus captains, who would go on to manage commuter experience as well as oversee the autonomous bus management system.