Waymo plans Singapore launch by 2028

Autonomous vehicle operator Waymo is expanding into Singapore, marking another step in its international growth strategy. The company plans to begin public ride services in the island nation during 2028, following a preparation period that starts immediately.

Waymo will deploy its Jaguar I-PACE electric vehicles to Singapore over the coming months. Throughout 2027, company engineers will manually operate these vehicles across Singapore's streets to create detailed maps and gather data on local road conditions. The company will also refine its autonomous driving system to handle Singapore's unique road layouts and tropical weather patterns.

This expansion follows Waymo's earlier entry into Asia. The company began testing autonomous vehicles in Tokyo in 2025, establishing Japan as its first international market outside North America. Building on that success, Waymo recently announced plans to launch commercial robotaxi services in Tokyo during 2027, offering rides through both its proprietary app and the locally popular GO Taxi application.

In both markets, Waymo is targeting a specific use case: first-and-last-mile transportation. Since Singapore and Tokyo both have extensive public transit networks of buses and trains, the company sees autonomous vehicles as a solution for passengers who live far from subway stations or need quick connections to catch departing trains. This positioning could make Waymo's service particularly attractive to commuters seeking convenient alternatives to traditional taxis or personal vehicles.