AVs will be thoroughly assessed by the AV Milestone Testing regime, which puts them through various tests of different complexity and operating conditions, including night-time and wet weather. They are also required to undergo simulations and on-road tests for more complex environments.
As we embark on our research to understand the use of AVs for public transport, we are conducting a pilot deployment in areas such as Tengah, Punggol and the Jurong Innovation District, in the early 2020s. Why these three places? Well, they offer a range of environments – greenfield (newly-developed at Tengah), brownfield (already developed at Punggol), and mixed-use (residential, commercial and industrial at JID) – to give us a better understanding of the requirements for larger scale AV deployment in Singapore when the technology is ready. We will then be able to develop robust infrastructure, policy and regulation.
While vehicles don’t get nervous before the actual test like us, their technology and operating environment must be sound before they can carry passengers.
On the roads
With all systems set, it’s time to gauge the ability of AVs in the real world. Don’t worry, there are qualified safety operators who are trained to take immediate control in emergencies. It is part of our commitment to equip them with the know-how on advanced smart technology.
Think of it as an appetiser for greater first-and-last mile connectivity. When scaled island-wide, on-demand and dynamically routed as well as fixed-schedule autonomous buses and shuttle services will make our public transport more convenient and accessible for commuters, especially for the elderly and mobility-challenged.