Waymo in Singapore

Three prevalent themes in the discussion

1. Car ownership is extremely expensive and functions as a status symbol

2. The Certificate of Entitlement (COE) and associated taxes push the price of a basic car well over S$180,000, making ownership a luxury that signals success.

   “Owning a car in Singapore is extremely expensive, basically meaning that if you can afford that, ‘you made it’.” – ExoticPearTree
   “A basic commuter car costs over S180,000 (US$135,000) due to a compulsory 10‑year quota license (COE) that alone costs S$100,000+.” – shell0x

3. Despite the cost, private cars provide tangible convenience (especially for families, weather, and flexibility)

4. Many commenters note that owning a car avoids sweaty walks, waiting for rideshare, and the hassle of car seats, and it offers freedom to store belongings.

   “Having your own car is convenient, especially with kids, since you can keep stuff in the car.” – eru
   “The ease and freedom of owning your own transport is still hard to beat… it removes the walk from bus/subway stations under the tropical sun, humidity; and the wait … of waiting for your uber/taxi driver.” – fhe

5. Waymo’s autonomous ride‑hailing could reshape Singapore’s mobility landscape, coexisting with existing transport while raising questions about taxi drivers and government control

6. The planned 2028 launch is seen as a measured step that may alleviate future driver shortages, but it also sparks debate over its impact on incumbent taxi services and the broader goal of reducing private car use.

   “Waymo said it will introduce its fully autonomous, all‑electric ride‑hailing service in Singapore via the Waymo app by 2028.” – original post
   “Singapore will do what they always do… take a measured approach and control every aspect of the roll out… they’ve already modeled a shortfall in taxi drivers in the future.” – zhivota
   “Potential, sure. Is it likely? No. Singapore does pretty well with the COE system and congestion charge.” – eru