Self-Driving Vehicles in Singapore: Are We Ready to Let Go of the Wheel?

Driverless vehicles will soon hit the roads in Punggol. While the tech is promising, public confidence remains the real roadblock to an autonomous future.

AI Image: OpenAI

Self-driving vehicles are no longer a futuristic fantasy. In Singapore, they might be becoming a reality much sooner than many may have expected. Public self-driving shuttles are set to begin operations in Punggol by the fourth quarter of 2025, according to recent plans announced by the authorities. This bold step is part of Singapore’s wider effort to build a seamless, smart transport network that can keep pace with the city’s changing needs.

These autonomous shuttles aim to provide on-demand shared transport in selected neighbourhoods, especially where access to MRT stations or bus services may be limited. The hope is that this new layer of mobility will enhance connectivity, improve efficiency, reduce human errors and ease the pressure on traditional transport modes.

But while the technology is making rapid progress, public trust is still catching up. Some are excited by the idea of riding in a car that drives itself. Others feel unsure. What happens in unpredictable situations, like a sudden downpour or a child darting across the street? These concerns are not just technical—they are emotional, too.

Image: Sgtrainengr

Interestingly, this is not the first time Singaporeans have faced such doubts. Not long ago, MRT trains all had drivers in the cabins. The idea of a driverless train seemed risky. Today, most commuters ride on the Circle (CCL), Downtown (DTL), North East (NEL) and Thomson-East Coast (TEL) lines with barely a second thought about the absence of a human operator. This shift didn’t happen overnight. It took years of safe, reliable service for people to accept and trust the technology.

Elsewhere, countries like China are pushing ahead even faster. Cities such as Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen already have fully operational autonomous vehicles on their roads. These large-scale trials offer a glimpse into how a driverless future could look in busy urban centres. In comparison, Singapore’s approach remains measured, with an emphasis on safety, infrastructure readiness and public feedback.

Beyond safety, other questions remain. How will automation affect jobs in transport? Will all age groups, including children and seniors, feel confident stepping into a vehicle with no driver? What kind of support systems need to be in place for people to feel at ease?

As Singapore’s self-driving vehicle trials continue to expand, this period will be crucial in testing the technology’s reliability and building public confidence. With the right balance of innovation, regulation and communication, self-driving cars could become as normal as tapping a card to board a train.

Change always comes with concern, but as history has shown, it can also bring progress that once felt unimaginable.