Trial of commercial autonomous buses to run at Jurong Island, Science Park 2 until end-April

A three-month trial of on-demand autonomous bus services at two locations began on Monday (Jan 25), as part of Singapore's efforts to make such vehicles commercially viable.

Customers will have to pay to use the buses - which will operate at Singapore Science Park 2 and Jurong Island - marking the first time self-driving vehicles are operating commercially in the country.

Meanwhile a 12m-long bus with a capacity of 26 seated passengers will operate a 10-stop route on Jurong Island between 11.30am and 2.30pm on weekdays, providing workers with easy access to the amenities centre Oasis @ SAKRA.

Passengers there will have to use the SWATRide app developed by SWAT Mobility, which is part of the Goldbell engineering and transport group, with rides costing S$1.

The buses have a maximum speed of 25kmh, with a service ambassador onboard to assist commuters.

A safety driver will also be onboard to take over the wheel in case of emergencies.

Both trials will run until Apr 30.