Waymo to launch robotaxi service in Singapore by 2028

September 18, 2026 at 07:00 AM2 min

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Waymo announced plans on Sept. 18 to launch a robotaxi service in Singapore by 2028, its first entry into Southeast Asia. The Alphabet-owned company will begin deploying vehicles in the coming months for mapping and testing, with autonomous rides expected by 2028 pending regulatory approval. The move comes as Waymo expands internationally, with services planned for London in 2026, Tokyo in 2027, and Munich in late 2027.

Key Facts

Waymo will launch a robotaxi service in Singapore by 2028, marking its first entry into Southeast Asia.
Waymo's vehicles will begin arriving in Singapore in the coming months for mapping and autonomous testing with human safety drivers in 2027.
Waymo must obtain approval from Singapore's Land Transport Authority and pass a safety assessment at the Centre of Excellence for Testing and Research (CETRAN) before accepting passengers.
Waymo has also announced plans to launch robotaxi services in London by the end of 2026, Tokyo in 2027, and Munich in late 2027.
Waymo operates approximately 4,000 vehicles across about 15 U.S. cities.

Singapore Expansion

Waymo announced on Sept. 18 that it will launch a robotaxi service in Singapore by 2028, its first market in Southeast Asia. The company's all-electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicles are set to arrive in Singapore in the coming months to begin mapping and autonomous testing. In 2027, autonomous specialists will conduct initial manual driving to train Waymo's vehicles on local roads and weather patterns. Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana said Singapore has built one of the safest, most efficient, and most forward-thinking transportation ecosystems in the world.

Regulatory Requirements

Waymo will need approval from Singapore's Land Transport Authority (LTA) before it can begin accepting passengers. All autonomous vehicles in Singapore must undergo a safety assessment conducted at the Centre of Excellence for Testing and Research (CETRAN) before deployment on public roads. The tests were developed by LTA and CETRAN with input from the Traffic Police. Waymo established a corporate entity in Singapore earlier this year and participates in the country's Steering Committee on Autonomous Vehicles.

Global Expansion

Waymo has announced plans to launch robotaxi services in London by the end of 2026, Tokyo in 2027, and Munich in late 2027. The Munich launch would mark Waymo's first expansion in the European Union. In the U.S., Waymo has announced new domestic markets this year including Nashville, Denver, San Diego, and Las Vegas. The company operates around 4,000 vehicles in about 15 U.S. cities.