LTA to test self-driving goods vehicles, minibuses on roads

Use cases can help address manpower challenges, says Chee Hong Tat

- Esther Loi

Self-driving minibuses and logistics vehicles might soon be navigating Singapore's streets, as the Republic moves to deploy more of these autonomous vehicle (AV) technologies on the roads.

Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat said the authorities would focus on these two types of vehicles in the near term, because they can be deployed in scalable numbers along fixed routes, and mature examples of these technologies have been used commercially overseas.

"The deployment risks can be more carefully managed with lower vehicle speeds and time of use," he added.

"Equally importantly, these use cases can help address our pressing manpower challenges in the logistics and public transport sectors, where it has been challenging for operators to hire drivers."

Mr Chee was speaking to more than 5,000 transport professionals at the opening ceremony of the biennial Singapore International Transport Congress and Exhibition on Nov 6.

Already, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has approved the use of self-driving vehicles in two instances - facility management firm Chye Thiam Maintenance's electric robo-sweepers are used in Airline Road and Marina Coastal Drive, and supermarket chain Fair Price Group's electric logistics vehicles transfer goods between its distribution centres in Benoi and Joo Koon.