Waymo Brings Self-Driving Rides to Singapore by 2028

After 20 million autonomous rides in the United States, Waymo is bringing its self-driving technology to Singapore with a plan that puts safety and sustainability first.

The tech company announced it will launch a fully autonomous, all-electric ride-hailing service in Singapore by 2028. Riders will be able to book trips through the Waymo app, getting around the city without a human driver behind the wheel.

Singapore's Ministry of Transport and Land Transport Authority are partnering with Waymo to make it happen. The collaboration supports the nation's Green Plan 2030 and aims to strengthen public transportation by connecting people between their homes and transit stations.

Waymo is taking its time to get things right. In the coming months, the company will bring electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicles to Singapore to establish local operations. Throughout 2027, trained specialists will drive the cars manually, teaching the Waymo Driver system to navigate Singapore's unique roads and monsoon weather conditions.

The vehicles use advanced technology to stay safe on busy streets. Lidar, radar, and cameras create a 360-degree view around each car, detecting and predicting how pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users move.

Tekedra Mawakana, Co-CEO of Waymo, praised Singapore's transportation vision. "Singapore has built one of the safest, most efficient, and most forward-thinking transportation ecosystems in the world," she said. The company plans to create high-skilled local jobs while working closely with community leaders.

The Ripple Effect

Singapore's embrace of autonomous vehicles could transform how the entire region thinks about urban transportation. By reducing reliance on private car ownership, the service supports environmental goals while making cities more livable and less congested.

The partnership also positions Singapore as a testing ground for technology that could eventually serve millions across Southeast Asia. Jeffrey Siow, Minister for Transport, emphasized that Waymo brings "world-class technology and operational expertise" that will create new capabilities and jobs locally.

Waymo's proven safety record gives the initiative credibility. The company has logged over 300 million fully autonomous kilometers and continues preparing launches in Tokyo, London, and Munich using the same careful, phased approach.

When Singapore's streets welcome their first driverless rides in 2028, they'll be joining a transportation revolution built on patience, partnership, and genuine progress.