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Singapore has welcomed the initial of six autonomous buses that are planned to undergo trials on public transportation routes during the latter part of 2026.

As per the Land Transport Authority (LTA), the self-driving buses will go through extensive testing to confirm they comply with all safety and operational standards prior to being deployed on the roads.

According to the plan, the vehicles will be tested on Service 400 in Marina Bay and Service 191 in one-north as part of a three-year trial. When prepared, the autonomous buses will run together with regular buses that are already in use.

The initial vehicle, received this month, offers seating for 16 individuals and features a specific area for wheelchair users. Cameras and sensors are installed on the front, back, and top of the self-driving bus, giving operators a full 360-degree perspective of the environment.

A public bus in Singapore, May 2023. Image courtesy of VnExpress/Minh Nga

Prior to operating on the roads, the buses will undergo testing in controlled settings to evaluate fundamental movements and passenger safety when stopping at bus stops.

Service 400 serves Marina Bay and Shenton Way, including stops like the Marina Bay Cruise Center, Gardens by the Bay, and nearby MRT stations, whereas Service 191 runs in the one-north region, connecting Buona Vista Bus Terminal to surrounding MRT stations.

After the introduction of the first six vehicles, the LTA could acquire an extra 14 buses and extend testing to different routes throughout the city-state.

The self-driving buses are developed together by technology companies MKX Technologies, Zhidao Network Technology (Beijing), and electric vehicle manufacturer BYD.