Grab has secured approval from Singapore’s Land Transport Authority to conduct autonomous vehicle testing with its entire Ai.R fleet in the Punggol district, the country’s first residential neighbourhood to host a dedicated autonomous shuttle service. The approval was granted on November 13 2025, and the company began on‑road trials in mid‑October, giving it a full month of real‑world data before the formal approval.
The Ai.R fleet consists of 10 WeRide GXR shuttles, each with five passenger seats, and a single eight‑seat Robobus. Grab plans to increase the number of test runs by up to four times by the end of the year, using the expanded data set to refine its AI driving models and improve safety across Singapore’s varied weather conditions.
To support the rollout, GrabAcademy and WeRide are training more than ten experienced Grab driver‑partners as safety operators who will supervise the AVs during on‑road testing. The program is designed to ensure real‑time supervision and rapid response to any incidents, a key regulatory requirement and a cornerstone of public trust in autonomous mobility.
With the LTA approval in place, Grab aims to launch the Ai.R service to the public in early 2026, connecting residents to key amenities such as Punggol Coast MRT station, the mall bus interchange, and local clinics. The service is expected to reduce operational costs, enhance reliability, and position Grab as a pioneer in autonomous mobility across Southeast Asia.
The partnership with WeRide, a global leader in autonomous driving technology, gives Grab access to proven hardware and software while leveraging its extensive local network. The move also places Grab in direct competition with ComfortDelGro’s driverless shuttle pilot with Pony.ai, underscoring Singapore’s ambition to deploy 100‑150 self‑driving vehicles by the end of 2026.
Managing director Alejandro Osorio said the tests are essential to ensure “smooth, secure and meaningful journeys” for the community. The approval and training program signal Grab’s commitment to upskilling its driver‑partner workforce and advancing its broader strategy of integrating autonomous technology into its mobility ecosystem.
The content on BeyondSPX is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or investment advice. We are not financial advisors. Consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Any actions you take based on information from this site are solely at your own risk.