How Will Autonomous Vehicle (AV) Technology Benefit Singaporeans

1. How Will Autonomous Vehicle (AV) Technology Benefit Singaporeans Singapore will soon become a ‘SmartNation’ with smart mobility solutions, electric vehicles, sustainable transport operations, and autonomous vehicle (AV) technology. The new AV technology will help the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and public transport operators overcome the mobility challenges, such as land constraints, scarce manpower resources, and rising expectations for an efficient public transport system. Let’s check out how autonomous vehicle technology will benefit Singaporeans. 1. First-and-last mile (FLM) connectivity Singapore is focused on improving the entire commuting experience from door to door. With safe, accessible first/last mile connections, Singaporeans will be able to enjoy their commute. Autonomous bus and shuttle services can be dynamically routed which will help to enhance the first-and-last mile (FLM) connectivity. The AV technology will improve access to the growing transportation network of the country. 2. More accessibility and sustainable The AV buses or shuttle services will be helpful for elderly and people with disabilities and families with young children. With AVs, Singapore’s public transport system will become even more sustainable as LTA and public transport operators can better deploy scarce manpower resources. 3. Better road space utilisation Autonomous vehicles have advanced and intelligent technology that will allow them to better use available road space. It will be made possible by optimising routing through intelligent algorithmic planning. 4. More job creation The introduction of AVs will create new job roles in Singapore. The AV transportation will require remote fleet controllers, engineers, technicians, and data scientists. The AV Experience Autonomous vehicles are designed to sense their surrounding locations by gathering inputs from sensors. Ads are equipped with LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), RADAR (Radio Detection and Ranging), IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), and GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) that help AVs to plana path and reach a destination safely, while avoiding obstacles, obeying traffic rules, etc. Small-scale AV trials have been taking place in Singapore. The National Parks Board (NParks) deployed an 11-seater AV shuttle as a trial service from 3 Dec 2020 in collaboration with ST Engineering Autonomous Solutions and Willers. Another AV trial is going on in Gardens by the Bay area. The Auto Rider is an autonomous shuttle service for visitors of Gardens by the Bay. Public transport operator, SMRT Corporation, deployed an autonomous bus service through the Zipster mobile app. SMRT has also started conducting training programmes in electric and autonomous vehicles. SMRT’s staff has already participated in a four-month AV deployment trial at Science Park II where they gained operational experience as AV safety operators. Commenting on how SMRT is creating a connected ecosystem of transportation, SMRT CEO, Neo Kian Hong, said: “Keeping Singapore moving is more than just providing safe and reliable trains and buses. It is about developing an ecosystem of connected services from home to destination.” Conclusion Singapore’s AV journey started in 2014. In the coming years, AVs will be introduced into Singapore’s roads. Commuters can enjoy first/last mile connectivity and gain more access to public transport systems. AVs will not only create more jobs but will also help to improve road utilisation. Autonomous vehicle technology is an innovative mobility solution that will help LTA and transport operators overcome mobility challenges and commuter needs effectively and sustainably.