Full Breakdown
Waymo Targets 2028 Robotaxi Rollout in Singapore
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Waymo, the Alphabet-owned autonomous-vehicle unit, announced that its fully electric Jaguar I-Pace robotaxis will arrive in Singapore “in the coming months” to begin mapping and testing with human safety drivers in 2027. After a safety assessment by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and the Centre of Excellence for Testing and Research (CETRAN), the service is slated to open to the public via the Waymo app in 2028. The rollout will be the company’s first foothold in Southeast Asia and will complement the city-state’s public-transit network by addressing first- and last-mile gaps while delivering zero direct emissions.
Background and Context
Singapore has positioned itself as a regional hub for autonomous-vehicle trials, having approved shuttle-taxi pilots by Chinese firms WeRide and Pony.ai, as well as earlier robotaxi work by Motional in 2016. The nation’s Land Transport Authority requires all autonomous vehicles to pass a safety assessment at CETRAN before deployment on public roads. Waymo established a local corporate entity earlier this year and participates in Singapore’s Steering Committee on Autonomous Vehicles, signalling a deeper regulatory engagement.
Impact and Future Plans
The Singapore launch follows Waymo’s announced expansions into Tokyo (2027), London (by end-2026) and Munich (late 2027). By entering a market noted for rigorous safety standards, Waymo aims to showcase its ability to adapt autonomous systems to monsoon conditions and dense urban layouts, potentially setting a benchmark for future deployments across Asia.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Singapore has built one of the safest, most efficient, and most forward-thinking transportation ecosystems in the world. Their focus on reliability, sustainability, and human-centric progress directly mirrors how we have built Waymo’s technology and service,” — Tekedra Mawakana, co-CEO of Waymo
- “Waymo brings world-class technology and operational expertise to Singapore, and will move us towards our vision of creating new transport options for Singaporeans,” — Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow, said transport minister
- “The partnership will also strengthen our ecosystem and create new capabilities and jobs here.” — Traffic Police. But Waymo, a subsidiary of Google parent Alphabet Inc