Grab will deploy autonomous shuttles on fixed routes in Punggol during the second quarter of 2026. The move follows extensive trials, regulatory planning, and partnerships between Grab, the Land Transport Authority (LTA), and WeRide, an autonomous vehicle technology provider from Guangzhou.
Service Details
Grab operates two of three new autonomous shuttle routes in Punggol.
The first route links Matilda Court and Punggol Clover to the Oasis Terraces polyclinic. It stops at Punggol Plaza. The shuttle runs Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5pm. Passengers don’t need to book ahead.
ComfortDelGro handles the second route through north-east Punggol, covering 12km. This service connects Punggol Northshore with Oasis Terraces and Punggol Plaza. Waterway Sunrise residents can reach One Punggol and Punggol Coast through this route. That includes the shopping mall, MRT station, and bus interchange.
Grab’s third route serves commuters from Matilda Court, Punggol Clover, and Punggol Northshore. It provides direct access to One Punggol and Punggol Coast mall.
Passengers can save up to 15 minutes compared to regular public transport on these routes.
Vehicle Technology
Grab’s shuttles use WeRide’s autonomous technology and sport purple livery marked “autonomous shuttle” for easy spotting. The vehicles include five- and eight-seaters packed with sensors and cameras that deliver complete 360-degree vision.
All shuttles carry a safety operator during initial rollout, following LTA guidelines for passenger safety and smooth operations.
Rollout Schedule and Testing
The shuttles undergo rigorous testing and familiarisation exercises for one to two months starting late September 2025. Grab’s trained driver-partners will serve as safety operators during this phase, working under supervision and emergency protocols developed for AVs.
Community members get free rides during staged boarding sessions after trials end.
This deployment forms part of Singapore’s broader government initiative for integrating autonomous technologies into neighborhoods with diverse and predictable travel patterns. Authorities plan to expand the fleet from ten AVs in late 2025 to 100-150 AVs by end-2026.
Safety and Rules
Safety takes priority in the AV trial. The shuttles employ multiple sensors, including LiDAR and cameras, to handle road conditions like traffic signals and pedestrian crossings.
Onboard systems detecting issues trigger algorithms that bring vehicles to a complete stop.
The familiarisation process includes community feedback and ongoing performance monitoring. Authorities emphasize controlled and systematic integration of autonomous vehicles into Singapore’s land transport framework.
Future Plans
Authorities expect the Punggol pilot will open doors for further AV deployment across Singapore. Tengah has been named as the next target area if Punggol proves successful.
