LTA pauses pilot for self-driving public buses, will consider use for more targeted commuter groups first

The plan to pilot self-driving public buses on SBS Transit bus services 400 and 191 has been halted.

Six autonomous buses were originally scheduled to begin operating alongside regular buses on the two routes in the second half of 2026, for an initial period of three years.

The routes serve Marina Bay and one-north respectively.

In response to Mothership’s queries, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) confirmed that the deployment will no longer proceed as planned.

It said it is taking a “phased and calibrated approach” towards deploying autonomous buses.

Instead, it is exploring more targeted uses for autonomous buses.

"We are currently exploring narrower use cases for autonomous buses serving targeted groups of commuters, such as employee shuttle services, before considering wider deployment on public bus services, which are more complex."

It will announce more details on the use cases and plans when ready.

One of five buses has passed test

LTA added that all six autonomous buses have been delivered to Singapore.

The first bus arrived in March 2026 and passed LTA’s Milestone 1 (M1) Test in July.

This is a closed-circuit test consisting of basic manoeuvres to ensure autonomous vehicles can navigate safely on roads.

The remaining five buses are undergoing preparations for the M1 Test.

Earlier plans included possible expansion

LTA had previously said the pilot would allow it to assess the feasibility of autonomous vehicle technology for public bus services.

The agency previously said it might purchase up to 14 additional autonomous buses and expand the pilot to more public bus services.

https://mothership.sg/2025/10/driverless-bus-marina-bay-one-north-2026/index.html