WeRide and Grab launch Singapore’s first autonomous shuttle service in Punggol
WeRide has begun deploying its GXRs and Robobus vehicles in Singapore under Ai.R, Grab’s first autonomous vehicle service for consumers in the country.
Ai.R, short for Autonomously Intelligent Ride, was unveiled at the “Autonomous Shuttle in Punggol” event attended by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong and Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow. Operated by Grab in partnership with WeRide, the service will launch with 11 vehicles serving two fixed routes in Punggol, making it the only AV program selected by the Land Transport Authority to operate multiple routes in the residential area.
Both the five-seater WeRide GXR and the eight-seater Robobus have passed Singapore’s Milestone 1 (M1) safety assessment, certifying them to operate on public roads. A trained Grab Safety Operator will be onboard during the initial phase of service.
Routes designed for community access
Ai.R vehicles will connect residents to key amenities such as supermarkets, food courts, schools, clinics, business parks, and the Punggol transport hub. The two designated routes include links from Punggol Matilda Court to Oasis Terraces and from Punggol West to Northshore and the Punggol Coast Mall.
During the initial “route familiarisation” phase, vehicles will study the roads in detail to improve autonomous navigation at crossings, lights, and speed zones. Passenger rides are expected to begin in early 2026.
Training Grab drivers as AV safety operators
Grab is training more than 10 of its driver-partners as AV Safety Operators through a program conducted with WeRide. Drivers learn to oversee autonomous driving systems, practice emergency protocols, and handle manual takeovers when required.
WeRide executives said the Punggol deployment builds on experience gained from previous Singapore AV projects, such as Robobus at Resorts World Sentosa. Grab leaders emphasized the importance of AVs in boosting connectivity in underserved areas.
“By integrating our AVs with the public transport network, WeRide aims to provide Singapore residents with a smarter, more seamless travel experience,” said Jennifer Li, CFO and Head of International at WeRide.
