Automated Bus Ramps and Infrastructural Upgrades for Autonomous Vehicles

Written Reply to Parliamentary Questions

Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Acting Minister for Transport

a.     whether the Ministry will require autonomous vehicles (AV) to be introduced as part of Singapore’s public transport network be fitted with automated bus ramps facilitate safe and independent boarding for wheelchair users; and

b.     whether modifications will be made to bus stops to enable wheelchair users to safely flag down and board AVs.

Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Acting Minister for Transport

a.     what infrastructural upgrades are planned to accommodate autonomous vehicle deployment on public roads, if any; and

b.     how are such infrastructure changes likely to affect existing road users.

Reply by Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow:

1.     Autonomous buses, like those to be used for the upcoming pilot on public bus services 400 (Marina Bay) and 191 (one-north) are designed with wheelchair bays and low ramps that can be deployed to facilitate boarding and alighting of wheelchair users. Autonomous shuttles like the 8-seater Roboshuttle used in Punggol can accommodate folded wheelchairs and do not have ramps. For both pilots, the safety operators onboard will assist passengers on wheelchairs.

2.     We are working with operators and manufacturers to consider the accessibility and inclusivity of autonomous buses and shuttles for commuters with different mobility needs, especially for future operations where the safety operator is no longer on board the vehicle.

3.     Autonomous buses will use the same bus stops as regular public buses. These bus stops are barrier-free.

4.     The pilots for autonomous buses and shuttles will provide the Land Transport Authority (LTA) with data to determine whether additional infrastructure, such as pick-up and drop-off points, or sensors, will be needed.