WeRide, a global leader in autonomous driving technology, and Grab, Southeast Asia’s leading superapp, have commenced autonomous vehicle (AV) testing in Singapore’s Punggol district. This follows approval from the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to test the entire Ai.R (Autonomously Intelligent Ride) fleet. The testing began in mid-October 2025, with plans to increase the number of AV test runs on shuttle service routes by up to four times by the end of the year.
The Ai.R fleet, operated by Grab in partnership with WeRide, consists of 11 autonomous vehicles, including 10 GXRs and one Robobus. This initiative aims to establish Punggol as Singapore’s first residential neighbourhood with an autonomous shuttle service, expected to launch for public use by early 2026. Alejandro Osorio, Managing Director of Grab Singapore, emphasised the importance of safety, stating, “We are excited to bring autonomous shuttle service to Punggol to boost connectivity.” He also added, “Safety remains our priority.”
During the testing phase, AVs will gather data on road infrastructure, traffic flows, and pedestrian behaviours to refine their AI driving models. The vehicles are equipped with LiDARs and cameras, providing 360-degree vision and the ability to detect objects up to 200 metres away, even in adverse weather conditions.
In support of the Ai.R service rollout, GrabAcademy and WeRide are training over 10 experienced Grab driver-partners as Safety Operators. These operators will provide real-time supervision during the initial phase of public rides. Azman Bin Rahmad, a trainee, expressed enthusiasm about the programme, noting the direct impact of feedback on vehicle performance.
The autonomous shuttle service will connect Punggol residents to key amenities, including the Punggol Coast MRT station and local malls, enhancing local connectivity and transport options.
