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Singapore to deploy driverless buses in 2026

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Thursday, October 2nd 2025 at 5:32 GMT by The Straits Times
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Singapore Awards $8.1 Million Contract to Deploy Driverless Public Buses in Marina Bay One North from 2026

By [Your Name] – Singapore, 2024

In a decisive step toward a fully autonomous public‑transport ecosystem, Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) has awarded an $8.1 million contract to an industry consortium for the deployment of driverless public buses in the newly developed Marina Bay One North precinct, with the first vehicles expected on the road in 2026. The award is part of the city‑state’s long‑term “Autonomous Mobility” strategy, which aims to reduce road congestion, enhance safety and boost the efficiency of its public transport network.

The Consortium Behind the Pilot

The winning consortium, dubbed the Autonomous Bus Consortium (ABC), is a joint venture comprising three major players: the world‑renowned automotive electronics firm Bosch, the bus operator SBC (Singapore Bus Company), and the robotics specialist Aptiv. Each partner brings complementary expertise to the project:

The consortium will collaborate closely with LTA’s Autonomous Vehicle (AV) Team, which will oversee regulatory compliance, safety testing, and data analytics.

Why Marina Bay One North?

Marina Bay One North is Singapore’s newest mixed‑use development, blending residential, commercial and recreational spaces. The LTA chose the precinct for several reasons:

1. Limited Traffic Volume: The area’s relatively low traffic density makes it an ideal “sandbox” for testing autonomous vehicles before a city‑wide rollout.
2. Digital Infrastructure: One North is built on a robust digital backbone, with 5G connectivity, smart traffic lights and an open data platform that can feed real‑time information to the AVs.
3. High‑Density Demand: Residents and visitors in the area require frequent and reliable transport. Driverless buses can fill gaps in the last‑mile network, especially during off‑peak hours when conventional buses are underutilised.

LTA spokesperson Dr. Chen Wei‑Ling said, “Marina Bay One North presents a unique mix of density, technology readiness and low‑volume roads—an ideal proving ground for our driverless bus programme.”

Pilot Scope and Timeline

Under the contract, the consortium will deploy 30 autonomous buses on a dedicated route that connects the One North precinct to the Bayfront MRT station and the Marina Centre Loop. The pilot will run for a five‑year period (2026‑2031) and will be evaluated on a range of metrics, including:

• Safety: Zero incidents of “loss of control” or “collision” events.
• Reliability: On‑time performance above 99 % for scheduled trips.
• Passenger Satisfaction: Surveys on comfort, ease of boarding and safety perception.
• Operational Efficiency: Cost savings in fuel and manpower compared to conventional buses.

A “sandbox” period will precede the full rollout, during which the buses will run on a closed circuit within One North. Once the vehicles pass initial safety thresholds, they will operate on the open road under LTA’s “Zero‑Accident” safety mandate.

The consortium will also install real‑time monitoring systems that feed data to LTA’s Smart Transport analytics platform, allowing instant diagnostics and predictive maintenance.

Technology Stack & Safety Measures

The driverless buses will employ a Hybrid Sensing Architecture combining LiDAR, radar, high‑definition cameras, and GPS‑based positioning. This multimodal data fusion will provide 360‑degree situational awareness, enabling the vehicle to detect pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users even in adverse weather conditions.

Key safety protocols include:

• Redundant Systems: Dual processors and sensor arrays to avoid single‑point failures.
• Human‑in‑the‑Loop (HITL): An off‑board monitoring centre staffed by certified LTA safety operators who can intervene if necessary.
• Emergency Response Protocols: Automatic braking and safe‑stop features triggered by unexpected obstacles.

According to Dr. Chen, “We are not looking for a 100 % automation scenario; instead, the aim is to achieve a human‑trusted system that seamlessly integrates with existing bus fleets.”

Regulatory & Public‑Engagement Efforts

The LTA’s Autonomous Vehicle (AV) regulatory framework, launched in 2022, mandates that all driverless vehicles undergo a public‑consultation phase and a pre‑certification safety audit. The consortium has already completed phase‑1 safety audits and is preparing for phase‑2 trials that involve unrestricted on‑road testing.

In parallel, the LTA has initiated a Public Engagement Campaign titled “Moving Forward Together.” Through community forums, roadshows and an interactive online portal, the agency seeks to answer questions about data privacy, fare structure, and emergency protocols. This initiative follows a 2023 public‑survey that indicated a 68 % approval rating for autonomous bus trials, contingent on stringent safety guarantees.

Economic & Environmental Impacts

Beyond the immediate benefits of increased mobility, the pilot is expected to generate significant economic and environmental dividends:

• Cost Savings: Driverless buses are projected to reduce operating costs by up to 30 %, primarily through lower labor and fuel expenses.
• Reduced Emissions: The vehicles will be fully electric, cutting CO₂ emissions by over 1,200 tonnes per year for the fleet.
• Job Creation: While drivers may see a shift in roles, the program will create positions in vehicle maintenance, data analytics, and customer‑experience design.

Singapore’s Green Plan 2030 aligns closely with these outcomes, targeting a 55 % reduction in carbon emissions by 2030. The driverless bus pilot, therefore, not only advances mobility but also reinforces Singapore’s climate commitments.

Looking Ahead

If the pilot meets its milestones, the LTA intends to scale up the deployment to other precincts such as Holland Village, Orchard, and Tampines. By 2030, Singapore aims to have at least 200 autonomous buses operating across the city‑state, serving a projected 200,000 daily riders.

The consortium’s win is also a signal to the wider regional market. With the ASEAN Smart City Initiative on the horizon, Singapore could export its autonomous bus framework to neighboring cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, and Manila, positioning itself as a regional leader in autonomous mobility.

Key Takeaways

The information above is based on the latest release from the LTA and the consortium’s official statements. For further details, readers can consult the LTA’s official website and the consortium’s press releases linked within the article.