Autonomous bus service to be tested in Singapore

These autonomous electric buses could be a game changer in the world of public transportation. Image NTU/LTA

With self-driving cars now being tested publicly in Singapore, it was only a matter of time before they scaled it up to a bus that can hold up to 80 people all at once.

The buses will be full-sized and operate in the Jurong West region where the Nanyan Technological University (NTU) is located, reports Engadget.

The bus route will run between NTU and the neighboring CleanTech Park “eco-business” hub. Distance-wise, it will be a one-mile trip. The nearby Pioneer train station is currently being considered, which would extend the route to a 5-mile round trip.

Conducting the trials is the Land Transportation Authority with the NTU’s Energy Research Institute. These buses will be electrical vehicles that will be able to recharge at depots at bus stops through charging masts.

NTU and CleanTech Park have also been conducting trials of a driverless shuttle service that is currently three years in the running.

With the reputation that our local bus drivers have, perhaps an autonomous shift could do Manila streets some good. But that should not be happening for a long time.  Alfred Bayle

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