Singapore: Self-Driving Buses Arrive for Public Route Testing in 2026 | Marina Bay & one-north Pilot

Singapore to Pilot Driverless Buses on Public Routes in Marina Bay and One-North

Singapore is taking another step towards autonomous public transportation with the arrival of the first six driverless buses, slated to begin testing on public routes in the second half of 2026. The buses will operate on services 400 in Marina Bay and 191 in one-north, according to a statement released by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) on March 25, 2026.

The deployment marks a significant advancement in Singapore’s ongoing efforts to integrate autonomous vehicle (AV) technology into its public transport network. The LTA awarded a contract in October 2025 to a consortium comprising MKX Technologies, Zhidao Network Technology (Beijing), and BYD (Singapore) for the pilot program, valued at approximately $8.14 million. This initiative builds upon existing AV testing and deployment projects, including recent trials in Punggol.

The 16-seat buses, which closely resemble existing public buses in appearance, are equipped with a comprehensive suite of sensors and cameras providing 360-degree awareness of their surroundings. A dedicated space for wheelchairs is included in the design. The LTA emphasized that the buses will undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet all safety and operational standards before being deployed alongside manned buses. Testing will include closed-circuit evaluations of basic maneuvers and assessments of passenger boarding and alighting procedures.

The selected routes – service 400 serving the Marina Bay and Shenton Way areas, including stops at Marina Bay Cruise Centre and Gardens by the Bay, and service 191 covering the one-north technology hub – represent diverse urban environments. These routes will provide valuable data on the performance of autonomous buses in real-world conditions, including navigating traffic, pedestrian activity, and varying road infrastructure.

The initial pilot program is slated to run for three years. Following the evaluation of the first six buses, the LTA has the option to procure an additional 14 units and expand the pilot to encompass more public bus services across Singapore. The LTA has indicated that SBS Transit will operate the buses during the pilot phase, with a remote operator continuously monitoring the vehicles from a central control center. A customer service officer will also be onboard to assist commuters during the trial period.

This move aligns with a broader global trend of cities exploring autonomous transportation solutions to improve efficiency, accessibility, and sustainability. While challenges remain in terms of public acceptance, regulatory frameworks, and technological refinement, Singapore’s proactive approach positions it as a leader in the development and implementation of AV technology for public transport. The success of this pilot program will be closely watched by other cities considering similar initiatives.