Grab and WeRide Launch First Autonomous Ride-Hailing Service in Punggol, Singapore

Singapore Welcomes First autonomous Vehicle Shuttle Service in Punggol

Singapore, September 21, 2025 – Residents of Punggol are set to experiance the future of transportation as Grab, in partnership with WeRide, launches Ai.R, Singapore’s first autonomous vehicle (AV) service for the public. This initiative represents a major advancement in the nation’s smart mobility efforts and is poised to redefine local commuting experiences.

Introducing Ai.R: Autonomously Intelligent Ride

Selected by the Land Transport Authority (LTA), Ai.R distinguishes itself as the sole autonomous shuttle service operating on two designated routes within Punggol.The service will initially deploy a fleet of 11 vehicles, offering convenient transport options across key residential areas. This launch comes as the global autonomous vehicle market is projected to reach $658.4 billion by 2030, according to a recent report by Statista.

Fleet Details and Safety certification

The Ai.R fleet comprises two WeRide vehicle models: the five-seater GXR and the eight-seater Robobus. Both models have successfully completed Singapore’s rigorous Milestone 1 (M1) assessment, a crucial certification validating their ability to navigate public roads autonomously and adhere to local traffic regulations. This achievement underscores the commitment to safety and regulatory compliance.

The WeRide GXR undergoing testing at CETRAN, demonstrating its readiness for public roads.

Enhanced Safety Measures and Trained Operators

To ensure passenger safety during the initial phase, each Ai.R ride will be accompanied by a trained Grab Safety Operator. These operators, selected from experienced Grab driver-partners with proven safety records, will be prepared to take control if needed. Extensive training, conducted by GrabAcademy and WeRide as August, has equipped these operators with the necessary skills to manage autonomous vehicle operations effectively.

Executive Perspectives

Alex Hungate, President and Chief Operating Officer of Grab, emphasized the potential of autonomous vehicles to improve connectivity, particularly in underserved areas. Jennifer Li, CFO and Head of International of WeRide, highlighted the milestone as a step towards smarter, integrated mobility solutions in Singapore, setting a benchmark for the region. Dr.Kerry Xu, General Manager of Singapore at WeRide, noted the company’s prior deployments, including the Robobus at Resorts World sentosa, have provided valuable insights for refining their technology for the Singaporean urban surroundings.

Route Details and Operational Timeline

Starting this month, Ai.R vehicles will undergo a “route familiarization” phase, meticulously studying the designated routes, including traffic signals, pedestrian crossings, and speed limits. The service is expected to commence passenger operations by early 2026, providing access to essential amenities such as supermarkets, food courts, clinics, schools, and transport hubs.

Ai.R Routes

• Route 1 (Punggol West to East): Punggol Matilda Court (Blk 234) → Punggol Clover (Blk 204A) → Punggol Plaza → Oasis Terraces
• Route 2 (Punggol West to North): Punggol Matilda Court (Blk 234) → Punggol Clover (Blk 204A) → One Punggol (Sam Kee LRT) → Punggol Northshore (Blk 420A) → Punggol Coast Mall (Bus Interchange)

Advanced Technology and Safety features

Ai.R vehicles utilize a refined array of technology, including advanced cameras and LiDAR sensors, allowing them to perceive their surroundings up to 200 meters in all directions, even in challenging weather conditions. They are also programmed to adhere to Singapore’s traffic laws, signaling turns, respecting speed limits, and prioritizing safe lane changes.

Feature	Description
Sensor Range	Up to 200 meters in all directions
Safety Protocols	Adherence to Singapore traffic laws, signalled turns, safe lane changes.
Vehicle Models	WeRide GXR (5-seater) and Robobus (8-seater)

Did you know? Singapore has been actively investing in Autonomous Vehicle technology since 2014, with the aim of becoming a global leader in this field.

Pro Tip: Passengers can track the Ai.R shuttle schedule and vehicle locations in real-time through the Grab app.

The Future of autonomous Vehicles

The launch of ai.R in Singapore reflects a broader global trend toward the adoption of autonomous vehicle technology. Beyond convenience, AVs promise increased road safety, reduced traffic congestion, and improved accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges. However, it is important to consider ongoing developments in regulation and infrastructure.

Experts predict that the widespread adoption of self-driving cars will require significant investment in 5G networks to support real-time data exchange and interaction between vehicles. As the technology matures,ethical considerations surrounding accident accountability and data privacy will also need to be addressed.

Frequently Asked questions about Ai.R

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Grab and WeRide Pioneer Autonomous Ride-Hailing in Singapore’s Punggol

The Dawn of Self-Driving Taxis in Singapore

Singapore is once again at the forefront of technological innovation with the launch of the first autonomous ride-hailing service in punggol, a residential town in the northeast.This groundbreaking initiative is a collaboration between Grab, Southeast Asia’s leading superapp, and WeRide, a global leader in autonomous driving technology. The service, commencing on September 21, 2025, marks a notable step towards the widespread adoption of self-driving cars and autonomous vehicles (AVs) in urban environments. This pilot program utilizes WeRide’s Robotaxi technology integrated into the Grab platform.

Understanding the Punggol Pilot Program

The initial phase of the service will see a limited fleet of six autonomous taxis operating within a 7km radius in Punggol.These vehicles are fully electric, contributing to Singapore’s green mobility goals.

Here’s a breakdown of key details:

* Service Area: Designated zones within Punggol, specifically chosen for their relatively simple road network and lower traffic density.

* Vehicle Fleet: Six WeRide Robotaxis, equipped with advanced sensors and safety systems.

* Booking Process: Passengers will book rides through the Grab app, selecting the “AutoRide” option.

* Safety measures: Each vehicle will have a safety driver present during the pilot phase to monitor performance and intervene if necesary. This is a standard practice for initial autonomous vehicle deployment.

* Operating Hours: Initially, the service will operate during limited hours to gather data and refine the system.

WeRide’s Technology: Powering the Autonomous Fleet

WeRide’s technology is central to this launch. The company boasts a full-stack autonomous driving solution, encompassing:

* Perception System: Utilizing lidar, cameras, and radar to create a 360-degree view of the vehicle’s surroundings.

* Localization & Mapping: High-definition maps and precise localization algorithms ensure accurate navigation.

* Planning & Control: Refined algorithms enable the vehicle to plan routes, make decisions, and control its movements safely.

* Redundancy Systems: Multiple layers of redundancy are built into the system to ensure safety and reliability.

This Level 4 autonomy allows the vehicles to operate without human intervention under specific conditions, as defined by the operational design domain (ODD).

Grab’s Role: Integrating AVs into the Ride-Hailing Ecosystem

Grab’s involvement is crucial for scaling and integrating autonomous ride-hailing into a real-world transportation network. Their contributions include:

* Platform Integration: Seamlessly incorporating the autonomous ride option into the existing Grab app.

* Fleet Management: Providing infrastructure for managing and maintaining the autonomous fleet.

* User Experience: Ensuring a smooth and intuitive booking and riding experience for passengers.

* data Analysis: Leveraging Grab’s extensive data analytics capabilities to optimize the service and improve performance.

This partnership demonstrates Grab’s commitment to future mobility and its vision of becoming a leading provider of on-demand transportation solutions.

Benefits of Autonomous Ride-Hailing

The introduction of driverless taxis offers a range of potential benefits:

* Increased Safety: Reduced human error, a major cause of accidents.

* Improved Efficiency: Optimized routes and reduced congestion.

* Enhanced Accessibility: Providing transportation options for individuals who cannot drive.

* Reduced Costs: Lower operating costs due to the elimination of driver salaries.

* Environmental Sustainability: Electric autonomous vehicles contribute to lower emissions.

Regulatory Landscape and Future expansion

The launch of this service is a result of close collaboration between Grab, WeRide, and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) of Singapore. Singapore has been actively developing a regulatory framework to support the safe and responsible deployment of autonomous vehicles.

Future plans include:

* Expanding the Service Area: Gradually increasing the operational area within Punggol and potentially to other parts of Singapore.

* Increasing the Fleet Size: Adding more autonomous vehicles to meet demand.

* Removing Safety Drivers: Eventually transitioning to fully driverless operation, pending regulatory approval.

* Integration with Public Transport: Exploring opportunities to integrate autonomous ride-hailing with Singapore’s existing public transport network.

Real-World Implications for Smart Cities

This pilot program in Punggol serves as a valuable case study for other cities looking to embrace smart city initiatives and intelligent transportation systems. The data collected from this deployment will provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with integrating autonomous vehicles into urban environments. It will also inform the advancement of best practices for safety, regulation, and infrastructure. The success of this project could pave the way for wider adoption of autonomous mobility solutions globally.