Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to seek industry participation in a pilot deployment of autonomous public bus services.
This project aims to assess the feasibility of using autonomous vehicle (AV) technology in public transport. It will also evaluate the operational challenges associated with its implementation at both service and fleet levels.
Autonomous Bus Pilot
The pilot will commence with smaller buses seating at least 16 passengers. Operations will begin on Service 400 (Marina Bay/Shenton Way), followed by Service 191 (one-north). These routes were selected for their simplicity and shorter distance, with one-north already serving as an AV test-bed since 2019.
The chosen contractor will collaborate with SBS Transit Ltd, the current operator of these services, to develop operational frameworks for autonomous bus deployment.
Initially, bus captains will remain on board as safety operators. The autonomous buses will also have to adhere to operational requirements, including safe boarding and alighting at designated stops. The contractor will be required to demonstrate operational reliability for at least six months before transitioning to remote safety supervision.
Throughout the pilot, LTA will monitor the buses in real-time and enforce safety measures such as mandatory seatbelt use for all passengers. A customer service officer may also be deployed to assist commuters.
Fleet Procurement and Expansion Plans
LTA will procure an initial fleet of six autonomous buses, which will operate alongside existing manned services from mid-2026 for three years.
Depending on the pilot’s outcomes, LTA may acquire up to 14 additional autonomous buses, potentially extending the trial to two more public bus services. This phased approach ensures a thorough assessment of AV technology while maintaining public safety.
Proposal Requirements
Interested bidders must outline their proposed bus models, fleet management systems, remote operations capabilities, electric charging infrastructure, and maintenance support services.
LTA will evaluate submissions based on the maturity of the AV technology, the proposer’s track record in local or international deployments, and their ability to meet operational needs. The comprehensiveness of supporting infrastructure, such as fleet management and charging systems, will also be considered.
The RFP will close by the second quarter of 2025, with contract awards expected by the end of the year.
