SINGAPORE - In a surprising turn of events, a shuttle bus branded as 'driverless' was embroiled in an accident on January 20 in Clementi, revealing that a driver was indeed behind the wheel at the critical moment of the collision.

Launched in January 2023, the autonomous campus shuttle service at Ngee Ann Polytechnic has aimed to provide efficient transport between the campus and major transit points like King Albert Park and Clementi MRT stations. While these vehicles operate autonomously within the confines of the campus, they shift to manual control when navigating public roads—a detail critical to understanding this recent incident.

The bus involved in the accident was recently integrated into the service, which had expanded in January 2025 to include additional routes and increased bus frequency, now featuring three vehicles instead of just one. The incident has raised questions about the safety protocols and operational oversight of such innovative transportation systems.

Reassuringly, a spokesperson for Ngee Ann Polytechnic confirmed that the collision was under manual operation by a qualified safety operator, who prioritized the safety of all involved. Fortunately, both the operator and a passenger on the bus emerged unscathed from the incident. 'The safety of our students, staff, and all road users is our utmost priority,' they stated, emphasizing collaboration with authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The shuttle service is operated by ComfortDelGro, under the ownership of Singapore's autonomous vehicle startup MooVita. ComfortDelGro is conducting its own inquiry into the incident, indicating a proactive approach to ensuring safety standards.

Witness accounts and media reports captured the aftermath, showing the bus halted at a busy traffic junction alongside a white car. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) promptly responded to the scene around 9:05 am, assessing a minor injury case, which the individual ultimately declined to have treated at a hospital.

Despite this setback, Ngee Ann Polytechnic expressed confidence in the shuttle's overall performance and safety record since its inception. It remains committed to maintaining the highest safety standards, reflecting the institution's dedication to innovation in student transportation.

MooVita’s driverless shuttle, known as the MooBus, is an electric vehicle designed to accommodate 13 passengers and operates at a capped speed of 20km/h along its designated 3km campus route. As autonomous technology continues to develop, this incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of ensuring safety measures are upheld in all situations.

As Singapore continues its ambitious journey toward smarter transportation solutions, will the incident impact the future of driverless technology in the city? Stay tuned for updates on this developing story!