Singapore is set to take a major leap in smart mobility as the Ministry of Transport (MOT) announces plans to launch autonomous vehicle (AV) trials in Punggol starting in the fourth quarter of 2025. The trial will test the feasibility of integrating AVs into the public transport ecosystem in one of Singapore’s most modern housing estates.
Why Punggol Was Chosen for the AV Pilot
According to Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow, Punggol was selected for this pilot because of its well-developed infrastructure and mature travel patterns. “Punggol is an estate where we already know where people want to go. The public transport data is clear, and that helps us in planning AV routes,” he explained during a media briefing.
The trial will involve AVs operating along fixed point-to-point routes within the HDB estate. These routes aim to connect residential areas more directly with key amenities such as MRT stations, wet markets, polyclinics, and bus interchanges.
Senior Minister of State for Transport Sun Xueling, who is also a Member of Parliament for Punggol GRC, noted that the feedback from residents has been instrumental in designing the trial. Residents in Punggol West, for example, have expressed a need for better connectivity to amenities located in Punggol East, and vice versa.
A Phased Approach to AV Deployment
The AV trial in Punggol will roll out in three phases:
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Initial Phase – AVs will run on roads without passengers but will have onboard safety officers to ensure control and safety.
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Intermediate Phase – The vehicles will begin carrying passengers, still with safety officers present.
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Final Phase – Once reliability and public confidence are established, AVs will operate without safety officers.
All AVs in the trial will be painted in bright colours to increase visibility, and they will operate at “manageable speeds” to enhance road safety.
Future Expansion to Tengah and Beyond
If the trial in Punggol is successful, the Ministry of Transport plans to expand AV operations to other areas, with Tengah being the next likely location. Tengah is being developed as a car-lite town, making it an ideal testing ground for new transport technologies.
“As Tengah’s roads are still being built, we have the opportunity to design infrastructure with AVs in mind from the start,” Mr Siow said.
Potential Benefits of AV Integration
Autonomous vehicles hold significant potential for enhancing Singapore’s public transport system, especially in addressing last-mile connectivity issues. AVs can supplement existing bus and rail services by providing reliable transport over short distances within residential estates.
AVs may also help address manpower challenges in the transport sector. “In the medium term, AVs could be used for services like night buses, which currently face staffing issues,” Mr Siow explained.
Job Transition and Workforce Opportunities
The rise of AV technology will bring changes to Singapore’s transport workforce. While the role of traditional drivers may evolve, new job opportunities in fleet management, programming, operations, and maintenance will emerge.
Mr Siow emphasized that the government, together with the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), will support workers through this transition. “We’re committed to helping drivers reskill, upskill, and explore new careers that this technology will create,” he said.
NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng also weighed in on the development, calling AVs a “growth driver” for the economy. He emphasized that innovation must be paired with productivity gains and career progress for Singaporean workers.
Considerations for Road Infrastructure and Public Adoption
One of the key factors influencing the success of AV deployment is infrastructure readiness. Wide roads, appropriate stopping points, and safe pedestrian pathways are crucial. Mr Siow noted that Punggol already meets many of these requirements, making it a suitable location for the trial.
Public adoption will also be an important part of the transition. “We want people to get used to seeing AVs on the road, understand how they operate, and feel confident sharing the road with them,” said Mr Siow.
Fare Structure Yet to Be Finalized
When asked about the potential cost of using AV services, Mr Siow said that pricing is still under discussion. “It will probably fall somewhere between current public transport fares and private hire or taxi rates,” he suggested.
Looking Ahead: Singapore’s AV Future
The Punggol AV trial marks a major step forward in Singapore’s smart mobility journey. It is part of the nation’s broader vision to become a leader in the adoption and development of future transport technologies.
With thoughtful planning, community feedback, and a strong commitment to workforce transition, Singapore is paving the way for a safer, more efficient, and more sustainable transport system.
