Wanted: Safety, remote fleet operators for autonomous vehicles
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A self-driving shuttle at a public roadshow at Punggol Digital District on Sept 20.
ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH
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SINGAPORE - After nine years working as a private-hire driver, Mr Abdul Rashid Abdul Shukor decided at the age of 55 to make a career switch.
Since training for his new job as an autonomous vehicle (AV) safety operator started in August, he has picked up new knowledge about how self-driving systems work and how to troubleshoot basic issues.
Mr Rashid is one of more than 10 former Grab drivers whom the ride-hailing giant is training as it prepares to roll out commercial autonomous shuttle services in Punggol
“I like technology and driving, so becoming an AV safety operator lets me combine both of these interests,” he said.
A trip to Guangzhou earlier in 2025 also helped to sway Mr Rashid, as he was keen to learn more about the AVs he saw on the roads there.
Taxi giant ComfortDelGro, too, has started to train its first batch of 12 safety operators for its new autonomous shuttle service in Punggol.
This first batch of trainees, who will be sent to Guangzhou for two weeks to learn some of the ropes, includes former cabbies and fresh hires, said ComfortDelGro’s group chief executive Cheng Siak Kian.
“More will come. We will eventually build up to maybe about 15 to 20 for a start,” Mr Cheng added, noting that the only prerequisites are a Class 3 driving licence and a willingness to learn.
Mr Cheng said that beyond in-vehicle safety operators, ComfortDelGro is also exploring other new jobs to bolster its AV service, including remote operators, who control the vehicles from afar, as well as people to manage the new fleet.
“The whole intent is to... supplement the shortage of drivers, the shortage of routes, the shortage of buses in this part of the community,” he said, adding that he is unsure how many new jobs will open up as the initiative is still new.
“As we scale up, we will have people working in the control room, safety operators, fleet managers (and) people running fleet operations.”
Grab’s president and chief operating officer Alex Hungate said its safety operators are trained to be familiar with the software and hardware on board the AVs.
“They are also trained in hospitality because they are welcoming guests into the vehicle,” Mr Hungate added.
Mr Tony Lim, 43, another of Grab’s new safety operator trainees, said he has gone through about 20 hours of training so far, and will need to clock another 200 hours on the road in Punggol before completing the course.
Mr Lim, who was previously also a private-hire driver, said: “I like to try new things, that is why I went for it.”
Unfazed by the prospect of job losses due to the introduction of AVs, he said: “AVs will create more jobs of a higher grade. We need to start the transformation (for) the next generation.”
In a Facebook post on Sept 20, Punggol GRC MP Yeo Wan Ling said the roll-out of autonomous shuttles in her ward will create more career pathways in areas such as technology, maintenance, servicing and front-line work.
Ms Yeo, who advises several transport worker unions, said AVs can also make workplaces safer for drivers.
“Through tripartite workgroups, the unions will ensure that our workers’ voices are heard and concerns addressed. New career opportunities will be defined, and upskilling resources will be secured for our workers,” she added.
