The On-demand Autonomous Shuttle Public Trial at Sentosa will be fielded on a three-month trial from 26 August 2019 to 15 November 2019.
During the trial, commuters may hail the autonomous buses in Sentosa through a mobile app “Ride Now Sentosa”, or kiosks set up along the 5.7km shuttle route. The route serves several destinations in Sentosa such as Siloso Point, Beach Station, Palawan Beach, Tanjong Beach and Sentosa Golf Club.
Background
In June 2018, the autonomous bus trial was announced by Ministry of Transport (MOT), Sentosa Development and ST Engineering in which testing commenced with the autonomous vehicles between the service road at Tanjong Beach and thereafter between Palawan and Siloso beaches to iron out their operational systems and safety protocols.
The public trial was launched on Monday, 20 August 2019, at an event held at the Sentosa Golf Club.
Trial Vehicles
Four autonomous vehicles (AVs) will be deployed during the trial. They are:
- Minibus – ST Autobus (2 units; RD3153M & RD3154K)
- Shuttle – Navya Autonom Shuttle (2 units; RD3155H & RD3156E)
The Navya Autonom Shuttle Bus only plies between Siloso Point – Palawan Beach Taxi Stand, via Beach Station.
Trial Details
| Sentosa On-Demand Autonomous Bus Trial 26 August 2019 – 15 November 2019 |
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| Route | Fixed route within Sentosa |
| Operating Hours | 1000hrs – 1200hrs & 1400hrs – 1600hrs (Weekdays except Public Holidays) |
| Fare | Free |
Stopping Points
The trial route covers both public and private roads. The private road between Siloso Point and Palawan Beach is access-restricted and used only by the Beach Tram and other service vehicles. |
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Mobile Application
Commuters may download the “Ride Now Sentosa” app via the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Kiosks at selected stopping points may also be used to hail the on-demand autonomous bus.
Safety Measures
Every autonomous vehicle on the route is manned by a safety driver who is trained to take over immediate control of the vehicle should the need arise.
The safety driver is further supported by a vehicle fault system that will immediately alert the safety driver of any faults, and cede control of the AV to the safety driver.
Safety Drivers for the trial are staffed by SBS Transit Bus Captains on the ST Autonom Bus.
In addition, all the AVs will use electronic signs to signal that they are operating autonomously, for easy recognition by road users and pedestrians.
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