Grab to pilot on-demand autonomous vehicle service in Punggol

Revenue service for autonomous driving shuttles in Punggol, Singapore, has been postponed until the fourth quarter of 2026, according to officials. In the interim, Grab, one of the companies operating these vehicles, will conduct a trial offering on-demand rides. This shift comes after feedback from users highlighted a need for greater flexibility and convenience in the current fixed-route system. Passengers will soon be able to request direct trips between existing pickup and drop-off locations, marking a significant change in how autonomous vehicles serve the area. The trial period will involve selected groups, including community leaders and residents, before expanding to the general public in late 2026. At that time, revenue-based fares will be introduced, replacing the current free service. Originally planned for mid-year, the delay reflects ongoing efforts to refine the service based on user input. Existing fixed routes will remain accessible and free while the on-demand option develops. Residents of Punggol have shown consistent interest in having more control over their travel choices. A recent survey of approximately 900 passengers revealed that nearly 60 percent preferred selecting their boarding and alighting points, while about 40 percent favored more direct routes to their destinations. These insights prompted the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to approve the pilot program aimed at enhancing the convenience and accessibility of autonomous shuttle services. Currently, Grab operates two distinct routes within Punggol. The first spans 10 kilometers, connecting Punggol West to East, with four stops along the way. The second route covers 12 kilometers, linking several key locations such as Punggol Matilda Court Block 234, Punggol Clover Block 204A, One Punggol (Sam Kee LRT station), Punggol Northshore Block 420A, and Punggol Coast Mall (Bus Interchange). Both routes are designed to provide efficient transportation between residential areas and essential facilities like schools, medical centers, and transport hubs. Grab has emphasized its commitment to improving the service through continuous consultation with LTA and Punggol residents. Additional pickup and drop-off points will be incorporated progressively throughout the year, ensuring that the service evolves in accordance with community needs. Updates regarding fares and service structure will be shared later in the year, providing clarity for future users. Since the launch of Grab’s autonomous shuttle service in early 2026, over 9,000 riders have utilized the service, accumulating roughly 90,000 kilometers of autonomous driving on local roads. The company has also trained more than 20 certified safety operators, some of whom are pursuing advanced roles as remote operators capable of managing fleet operations from a centralized command center. ComfortDelGro, another provider of autonomous vehicle services in Punggol, initiated its invite-only trial in April and subsequently opened access to the public in June. Together with Grab, these companies are working closely with LTA to explore further improvements to the autonomous shuttle network. The introduction of on-demand services represents a pivotal step toward making autonomous transportation more adaptable to individual needs. As part of broader efforts to integrate autonomous vehicles into everyday life, the success of the Punggol initiative could influence future expansions across Singapore. Continued collaboration between stakeholders aims to ensure that the transition to more flexible and accessible mobility solutions proceeds smoothly.