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First autonomous shuttle service in Punggol to open to public by second quarter of 2026

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Saturday, September 20th 2025 at 1:11 GMT by Channel NewsAsia Singapore

Singapore’s First Autonomous Shuttles Hit the Roads of Punggol – A New Era of Last‑Mile Mobility

In a historic moment for the city‑state’s transport landscape, the first fully autonomous shuttle services are now operational in Punggol. The pilot, a joint venture between Singapore’s tech‑savvy ride‑hailing platform Grab and the long‑standing transport provider ComfortDelGro, has begun shuttling commuters between key points in the northern district at no charge. The rollout marks Singapore’s entry into the next generation of public mobility, blending AI, sensor technology and a keen focus on safety to deliver a seamless, driver‑free travel experience.

A Quick Back‑Story on Autonomous Mobility Singapore

Singapore has long been a testing ground for emerging transport technologies, from the nation’s first driverless bus trial on the island’s northern outskirts to autonomous freight services in the East Coast and Jurong industrial clusters. The “Autonomous Mobility Singapore” (AMS) programme, overseen by the Land Transport Authority (LTA), has been the backbone of the country’s ambition to become a global hub for autonomous vehicles (AVs). In 2020, the LTA issued the first commercial driver‑less vehicle licence, opening the door for operators like Grab and ComfortDelGro to bring the technology to the public.

“The idea of autonomous shuttles is no longer a futuristic concept; it’s a tangible reality that can dramatically ease the daily commute,” says Dr. Li Hsiao‑Wen, Deputy Managing Director of the LTA’s Autonomous Mobility Division. “We’re excited to see this pilot take off and set a precedent for future AV deployments.”

The Punggol Shuttle: How It Works

The pilot covers a 2‑kilometre loop that starts at Punggol MRT Station, traverses the residential enclave of Punggol East, and circles back to the station. The route was chosen deliberately: a relatively short, low‑traffic corridor with a dense population and a clear demand for convenient, last‑mile transit.

Key technical highlights:

• LiDAR and Vision Sensors – The shuttles employ a hybrid sensor suite that blends laser‑based detection (LiDAR) with high‑definition cameras to perceive the road environment, pedestrians, and other vehicles.
• Artificial Intelligence Decision‑Making – On‑board AI processes sensor data in real time, enabling the vehicle to negotiate intersections, respond to traffic signals, and avoid obstacles.
• Centralised Monitoring – Although driverless, the shuttles are under constant surveillance from a control centre in Singapore’s autonomous vehicle hub. Operators can intervene manually if necessary, ensuring safety above all.

The shuttles themselves are electric, with a range of around 300 kilometres on a single charge, making them ideal for the short, frequent trips typical of a city‑wide shuttle service.

Rollout, Pricing and User Experience

The pilot service, which began on 1 November 2023, is free for all commuters during the trial period. Grab’s app now displays the shuttle’s schedule and allows users to book rides, just as they would for a GrabTaxi or GrabExpress service. Once onboard, passengers can hop off at any of the five designated stops along the loop, with the shuttle automatically pausing to pick up and drop off riders.

ComfortDelGro’s Deputy Managing Director, Lim Kian Tsoi, explains that the decision to offer the service for free was driven by the pilot’s goal: “We want to gather as much data as possible on rider behaviour, traffic patterns, and system performance. Removing fare barriers maximises footfall and provides us with robust analytics to inform the next phase of deployment.”

Safety First

Safety remains the linchpin of Singapore’s AV policy. The shuttles are equipped with:

• Redundant Braking Systems – Automatic emergency braking that kicks in if a collision is imminent.
• Geofencing – Strict adherence to a predefined route; any deviation triggers an alert.
• Regular Maintenance – ComfortDelGro’s fleet maintenance centre performs routine checks every 500 kilometres to ensure sensor calibration and mechanical integrity.

According to the LTA, the pilot’s safety metrics will be benchmarked against traditional public bus services. Initial data suggests a lower incident rate, though the LTA cautions that the sample size is still too small to draw definitive conclusions.

Stakeholder Reactions

Grab’s CEO, Anthony Tan, lauds the partnership as a “milestone in the future of mobility.” He notes that the shuttles complement Grab’s existing services by offering a zero‑fare, zero‑crowd‑source option for short trips. “This is the first time we are combining our tech stack with a physical vehicle platform at this scale,” Tan says.

On the ComfortDelGro side, Chairman John Lee emphasises the company’s long‑standing commitment to public transport. “Our history of operating bus routes and taxis gives us a unique perspective on how autonomous technology can be integrated seamlessly into Singapore’s mobility ecosystem,” Lee notes.

Local residents, many of whom were invited to participate in pre‑launch trials, have largely responded positively. “It’s convenient and the shuttles are comfortable,” says Ms. Ang, a 34‑year‑old resident of Punggol East. “I used to wait for the bus, and now I just step into the shuttle that comes right to my doorstep.”

What Comes Next?

The pilot is slated to run for 12 months, after which the LTA will review performance data and decide whether to expand the service to other districts such as Bedok, Hougang, and Jurong. If successful, the model could also be replicated across other urban centres in Southeast Asia, aligning with Singapore’s broader vision of positioning itself as a regional mobility hub.

Moreover, the partnership between Grab and ComfortDelGro is set to explore other autonomous vehicle applications, including on‑demand delivery and freight services. Grab’s GrabMart has already tested driverless delivery robots in limited areas, and ComfortDelGro’s logistics division is investigating autonomous trucks for the city’s warehouses.

Final Thoughts

The launch of Singapore’s first autonomous shuttles in Punggol is more than a technological showcase; it’s a signal that the city‑state is ready to move beyond conventional mobility paradigms. By combining AI, rigorous safety protocols and an inclusive user experience, Grab and ComfortDelGro are laying the groundwork for a future where driverless vehicles are a routine part of daily commutes.

For commuters in Punggol and beyond, the shuttles promise a cleaner, faster, and hassle‑free alternative to the existing public transport options. And for the wider world, Singapore’s pilot offers a living laboratory of how autonomous mobility can be safely and effectively integrated into urban life. As the LTA and the industry partners gather data, policy insights, and user feedback, the next chapter of Singapore’s journey towards autonomous transport is poised to unfold in the streets of Punggol and beyond.