ComfortDelGro has launched a training academy to help taxi drivers and other transport workers move into jobs that keep self-driving vehicles running. The roles include on-board safety operators, remote operators, fleet supervisors and autonomous vehicle technicians.
The ComfortDelGro Autonomous Vehicle Academy launched on 4 November on the sidelines of Singapore Urban Mobility Week. It will train people already working in transport as well as those entering the industry, with programmes covering public and private transport, including taxi and private-hire services.
What the Driverless Vehicle Jobs Involve
An on-board safety operator rides in the vehicle and can take over the controls when needed. A remote operator monitors vehicles from a control centre. Other roles involve overseeing a fleet or providing technical support for the vehicles.
Speaking to local media after a panel discussion, ComfortDelGro group chief executive Cheng Siak Kian said workers trained through the academy could go on to work for other self-driving vehicle operators, Lianhe Zaobao reported.
ComfortDelGro also signed agreements with six companies, including Singtel and bus maker Zhongtong Bus, to bring expertise in areas such as self-driving technology, vehicle manufacturing and communications networks into the training effort.
Training Will Draw on Punggol Shuttle Experience
The programmes will draw on ComfortDelGro’s experience operating self-driving vehicles in Singapore and China. That includes its Zig Driverless shuttle service in Punggol, which had reached 10,000 passenger rides by the academy’s launch.
ComfortDelGro said it was also preparing to test on-demand bookings in Punggol. The trial would let passengers book a direct ride between any two existing pick-up and drop-off points, giving them an alternative to following a fixed shuttle route.
The academy will support Singapore’s wider career transition package for taxi and private-hire drivers. That package includes Career Conversion Programmes for drivers, with pathways to become an autonomous vehicle specialist or a bus captain.
