Grab launches Singapore’s first autonomous public ride service in Punggol
Ride-hailing giant Grab, in partnership with WeRide, has officially launched Singapore’s first autonomous public ride service.
The service, called Ai.R (Autonomously Intelligent Ride), began public operations on Wednesday (1 April).
A Grab media release confirmed that it is being rolled out in Punggol.
Picture courtesy of Grab
First driverless ride service deployed in residential estate
The Ai.R fleet features WeRide’s GXR and Robobus models, with the launch marking the first time autonomous passenger vehicles are deployed within a residential estate in Singapore.
Since January, more than 1,000 early riders have tested the service to provide feedback that has improved the ride experience.
The fleet has clocked over 30,000km of autonomous mileage to date.
Grab Singapore’s Managing Director, Alejandro Osorio, described the service as “more than just deploying state-of-the-art AVs”.
He added: “It is about building a future where technology and the community move forward together.”
Picture courtesy of Grab
Free rides available till mid-2026
Members of the public can now register to try the service.
Rides will be free until commercial operations begin in mid-2026.
The service runs on weekdays from 9.30am to 5.30pm.
Riders can choose between two main shuttle routes or a shorter 20-minute “Mini Route”.
Picture courtesy of Grab
To ensure smooth journeys during the rollout, safety operators will be present in the vehicles.
So far, 14 Grab driver-partners have completed training to take on these roles.
Another batch is currently undergoing training.
New roles created for driver-partners
The rollout has also created new job opportunities, as driver-partners can transition into roles such as Safety Operator and Remote Operator.
Remote operators monitor the fleet from a command centre.
In the media release, Vincent Teo, a driver-partner, described the transition as a huge personal milestone.
“I am incredibly excited to progress towards Remote Operator training. driver-partner. When I first started this journey, I never imagined I’d have the opportunity to be at the absolute
forefront of such advanced technology,” he said.
Picture courtesy of Grab
Service designed with community input
Grab said the service was developed with feedback from Punggol residents and community leaders.
Routes are designed to connect key amenities and transport nodes.
The pilot phase will also gather data on usage patterns.
This will help refine pricing and operations before full commercial launch.
Picture courtesy of Grab
Part of push towards autonomous transport
The launch reflects broader efforts to integrate autonomous vehicles into Singapore’s transport system.
Grab and WeRide are part of Singapore’s autonomous vehicle steering committee.
Both companies said they will continue working with authorities to ensure safe deployment.
The Ai.R service is expected to play a role in shaping future urban mobility in Singapore.
Also Read: Autonomous shuttle vehicle gets into accident in Punggol, no injuries reported
Autonomous shuttle vehicle gets into accident in Punggol, no injuries reported
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Featured image adapted from WeRide and courtesy of Grab.
