Waymo Announces Singapore as Its Next Global Robotaxi Destination

Waymo is gearing up to roll out a robotaxi service in Singapore by 2028, as the Alphabet-owned company sets its sights on international markets for growth. The first vehicles are expected to arrive in Singapore in the coming months, paving the way for mapping and autonomous testing with human safety drivers behind the wheel in 2027. The goal is to offer fully autonomous ride-hailing to the public by 2028.

Before launching its service, Waymo must secure approval from Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA). The city requires all autonomous vehicles to pass a safety assessment at the Centre of Excellence for Testing and Research (CETRAN) before they can operate on public roads. These assessments are developed by the LTA and CETRAN, with contributions from the Traffic Police. Waymo is not entirely new to Singapore; it established a corporate presence there earlier this year and is involved in the Steering Committee on Autonomous Vehicles.

Singapore has emerged as a hotspot for autonomous vehicle testing, with local authorities approving various initiatives, including autonomous freight delivery, road-sweepers, and self-driving buses for airport staff. In 2016, Motional, a US-based company primarily owned by Hyundai, conducted a robotaxi pilot in the city.

In addition to Singapore, Waymo plans to launch a robotaxi service in London by the end of 2026 and in Tokyo in 2027. The company is also set to introduce its robotaxis to Munich, Germany, in late 2027, marking its first venture into the European Union.

“Singapore has built one of the safest, most efficient, and most forward-thinking transportation ecosystems in the world,” said Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana. “Their focus on reliability, sustainability, and human-centric progress directly mirrors how we have built Waymo’s technology and service.”

This year, Waymo has announced several new domestic markets, including Nashville, Denver, San Diego, and Las Vegas, with around 4,000 vehicles operating across approximately 15 US cities. However, regulatory challenges and political opposition have prevented its entry into major US cities like New York City, Chicago, and Washington, DC. As the robotaxi conversation continues to evolve in the US, Waymo is signaling its intent to expand internationally without any signs of slowing down.