LTA studying use of autonomous vehicles as viable mode of transport

Imagine a future where you will be transported from your home to your destination with autonomous vehicles, including buses, taxis and cars. The fictitious scenario could become reality in the near future, as the Land Transport Authority (LTA) is studying the utilisation of autonomous vehicles as a viable mode of transport.

According to The Straits Times, utilisation of autonomous vehicles could save time, money and the stress of driving in addition to improving efficiency. Utilising such technology means only 20 percent of the car population is needed for a more efficient public transport system and car sharing.

As part of an ongoing trial, the transport authority is working with the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) to test out a fleet of driverless buggies in the Jurong Lake District by the end of the year. The public can try the driverless buggies, which would ply pre-programmed routes in parallel to the footpaths of the Chinese and Japanese Gardens.

Also, Professor Carlo Ratti, Director of MIT SENSEable City Lab, is in talks with Sentosa Development Corp to run a trial on Sentosa Island, reported the English daily.

Mr. Chua believes there are several benefits to autonomous vehicles, starting with flexible mobility options for the elderly and the less mobile, while driverless buses could eradicate the heavy reliance on manpower. However, several factors have to be considered as well, including the safety and reliability of the technology in addition to licensing and insurance.

Mr. Chua also revealed Singapore is keen to collaborate with interested parties to test their systems in Singapore. He went on to add that the LTA would facilitate the trials and ensure they are conducted in a safe manner.