Grab has announced the launch of Ai.R, its inaugural autonomous vehicle service in Singapore, in collaboration with WeRide. This service, selected by the Land Transport Authority (LTA), will operate in Punggol, marking the first autonomous shuttle service in a residential neighbourhood. Ai.R will initially deploy a fleet of 11 vehicles along two designated routes in Punggol.
The fleet will comprise two WeRide vehicle models: the five-seater GXR and the eight-seater Robobus. Both models have successfully passed Singapore’s Milestone 1 (M1) assessment, confirming their capability to safely navigate public roads. The service aims to enhance connectivity within Punggol, providing residents with improved access to key amenities and transport nodes.
Each Ai.R ride will include a trained Safety Operator, ensuring a seamless transition between autonomous and manual control if necessary. These operators are experienced Grab driver-partners who have undergone comprehensive training by GrabAcademy and WeRide.
Alex Hungate, President and Chief Operating Officer of Grab, highlighted the potential of autonomous vehicles to improve connectivity in underserved areas. Jennifer Li, CFO and Head of International at WeRide, noted that deploying GXRs in Singapore marks a significant milestone in urban transportation for Southeast Asia.
The Ai.R vehicles will begin a “route familiarisation” phase this month, with plans to start passenger services by early 2026. This initiative is expected to set a benchmark for autonomous vehicle deployment in the region, paving the way for further expansion.
