Grab, WeRide, ComfortDelGro, and Pony.ai to pioneer driverless routes enhancing connectivity
Singapore will introduce its first public autonomous shuttle services in Punggol by early 2026, marking a breakthrough in the city-state’s transport system. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) confirmed that three fixed-route services will progressively roll out, linking homes to key amenities and transport nodes.
Futuristic Shuttles on Punggol Roads
The first of three autonomous shuttle routes is expected to open by the second quarter of 2026. Grab, in partnership with Chinese AV firm WeRide, will operate two routes, while ComfortDelGro and Pony.ai will manage one. The vehicles—five to eight-seaters painted in purple and clearly labelled as “autonomous shuttles”—will run without pre-booking.
One of the initial routes will connect Matilda Court and Punggol Clover residents to the Oasis Terraces polyclinic via Punggol Plaza. Other routes will serve Punggol Northshore, One Punggol, and Punggol Coast Mall.
Boosting Connectivity and Cutting Travel Time
According to LTA, the new services could reduce public transport travel times by up to 15 minutes. Senior Minister of State Sun Xueling said Punggol was selected because its residents have “clear travel patterns that can be better served.” The initiative focuses on improving first-and-last-mile connectivity—an essential step in reducing reliance on private vehicles.
A Decade in the Making
Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow described AVs as the “next technological breakthrough.” Planning began in 2013, but only recent advances in AI, sensors, and big data made large-scale deployment feasible. Authorities aim to have around 100–150 autonomous vehicles operating nationwide by the end of 2026.
Safety and Familiarisation First
Safety remains central to the rollout. Each shuttle will undergo rigorous testing and familiarisation processes with 360-degree cameras and sensors before serving commuters. LTA plans staged trials where residents can ride the shuttles for free, offering feedback before wider adoption. Operators will also keep safety operators onboard until the technology matures further.
Career Opportunities in AV Transport
Both Grab and ComfortDelGro are training driver-partners to transition into new roles such as safety operators, fleet managers, and remote operators. Grab has branded its service “Ai.R” (Autonomously Intelligent Ride), while ComfortDelGro’s offering will be known as Zig Driverless. These efforts are designed to create career pathways while easing concerns about job losses in the transport sector.
Reactions and Public Expectations
While many welcomed the futuristic services, some netizens expressed skepticism, pointing to existing MRT breakdowns. Others suggested replacing the Punggol LRT with AVs. Despite the mixed reactions, authorities see Punggol as a testbed for scaling AV services to towns such as Tengah in the future.
The launch of autonomous shuttle services in Punggol reflects Singapore’s push toward a smarter, more connected transport system. Beyond reducing travel times, the initiative could reshape commuting habits, create new jobs, and set the stage for wider AV adoption. For both Singaporeans and neighboring Indonesians observing closely, the project underscores how technology can drive urban mobility transformation across the region.
Sources: Must Share News (2025) , CNA (2025)
Keywords: Autonomous Shuttle Singapore, Punggol Shuttle Routes, Grab WeRide, ComfortDelGro Pony.ai, Smart Mobility
