SINGAPORE, June 17 -- Singapore plans to expand its use of self-driving vehicles islandwide over the next five years, aiming to enhance public transport efficiency and reduce commuting times, particularly for residents in Housing Development Board (HDB) estates located further from the city.

The Straits Times (ST) wrote citing Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow saying autonomous vehicles could ease manpower pressures and offer more transport options in neighbourhoods, forming a key part of efforts to make public transport more appealing.

"It relieves our public transport system of one key constraint, which is manpower. And it will add to the range of options that people have in HDB estates," Siow was quoted saying.

Siow also outlin...