Starting its on-road trials in 2015, today Singapore has over 50 self-driving vehicles that take passengers around the city. The city-state also topped the categories of policy and legislation as well as consumer acceptance for the implementation of the vehicles.
Singapore has also approved self-driving technology to deliver goods and even clean the streets, Additionally, Changi Airport is testing self-driving buses for worker transportation, and an autonomous vehicle (AV) is delivering feed at the bird park.
The shuttle can complete a 1.2-kilometer loop in about 12 minutes, stopping at four locations. Despite the car being driverless, a safety driver is still mandated by the law to monitor the vehicle's technical component.
Moovita, a local company, plans to expand its autonomous bus service for polytechnic students. The current bus service transports students between the school, the train station, and within the campus. Moovita aims to add two more buses and additional stops to enhance the service.
Singapore is not the only country who integrated this advanced technology. U.S. and China for instance, have produced even earlier in self-driving car where Google, Tesla, General Motors, Baidu, and Pony AI also contributed investing.
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Benefits of the Driverless Cars
Singapore sees autonomous vehicles (AVs) as a solution to address labor shortages and land scarcity. AVs can be deployed as needed and parked efficiently, reducing the need for parking spaces. By automating tasks like cleaning, delivery, and fixed-route driving, AVs can free up human workers for more complex jobs.
AI-powered drivers are inherently safer than human drivers as they are not susceptible to fatigue, emotional distractions, and have a broader field of vision. Additionally, AVs can enhance mobility and independence for the disabled and elderly.
In the business sector, AVs offer the potential for cargo transportation and utility services. Nighttime deployment of AVs can reduce traffic congestion during peak hours and reduce the need for human drivers.
Future Potential for a Smarter City
Singapore’s autonomous vehicles (AVs) as a key technology to improve citizens' lives and address long-standing transportation challenges is a part of the government’s Smart Nation initiative in 2014. This mission is also to address bus driver shortage in a land of almost 6 million people. The country's eagerness to adopt AVs is because of the promise of increased productivity.
Self-driving vehicles are hoped to reduce the labor gap in the future. Singapore is proven able to implement driverless technology into their public transportation systems. It is also the best on the Autonomous Vehicles Readiness Index from consultancy KPMG among 30 countries.
Singapore's clear and consistent regulations for artificially intelligent drivers safety, testing, and deployment set it apart from countries like the US and China, where regulations vary by region. The high safety standards associated with Singapore's AV licenses add to their prestige and global recognition as well.
It is also because of the strong government support and public acceptance of AV technology that foreign companies have started to become interested in advanced technology in Singapore.
