[First published on Sep 20, 2025, this article was updated on Jan 12, 2026, to reflect the launch of community rides.]

Grab has launched community rides for its Ai.R autonomous shuttle service in Punggol on Jan 12.

This phase allows selected members of the community to experience the autonomous technology and provide their feedback on the service.

The public can expect a wider launch in the coming months.

The fleet of autonomous vehicles (AVs) was rolled out as part of Grab’s ongoing efforts to explore the feasibility of AVs in Singapore and provide insights into how AVs can effectively bridge the gaps in transportation services and enhance urban mobility across the region.

(Read more: Why is Grab exploring autonomous vehicles?)

Ai.R stands for Autonomously Intelligent Rides and was coined to represent a vision of mobility that’s effortless and seamless, like smoothly gliding through the city.

The Ai.R autonomous shuttles were developed by WeRide, a global AV technology leader.

Why Punggol? 

Punggol was chosen for the AV shuttle service because it has well-established travel patterns. The neighbourhood’s road infrastructure is also mature, and regular feedback from residents has helped determine the best routes for the AV shuttle service. 

The goal? To make it even more convenient to get to key amenities such as shopping centres and transport hubs like the bus interchange and Punggol Coast MRT station.

Shuttle routes
Riding the AV shuttle 
Following the public launch, passengers will be able to access this page within the Grab app.

Once the autonomous shuttle service becomes available to the public, passengers can use the Grab app to check out shuttle routes, schedules and seat availability prior to arriving at their selected pickup location. The app also allows them to track the shuttle’s real-time location.

Once onboard, those riding the AV for the first time would be required to acknowledge the AV Safety & Terms. Afterward, they need to scan the QR code inside the vehicle to register their ride.

Onboard experience on the AV shuttle 

All passengers have to put on their seatbelts before the journey begins. During the journey, passengers can get a view of what the vehicle’s sensors detect and its planned manoeuvre via the in-vehicle screen. 

Passengers can get a view of their surroundings through the passenger tablet.

During the initial phase, a trained safety operator will be present in the driver’s seat to take control if needed. 

(Read more: Here’s why AVs will create opportunities for Southeast Asia’s workforce)

A safety operator is present to take manual control if needed.
Are the AV shuttles safe?

Safety remains the core of everything Grab does and efforts have been made to ensure that the autonomous shuttles are ready to be on the road. 

(Read more: Just how safe are autonomous vehicles?)

Before the AVs hit the road, they undergo extensive training to navigate real world conditions in Punggol. Along with a trained engineer and safety operator, the vehicles learn every detail along the assigned route, including traffic lights, zebra crossings, speed limits and more. 

This rollout in Punggol is an exciting opportunity for Grab and Singapore to explore how self-driving shuttles can improve daily commutes while addressing the needs of residents in growing urban areas. 

Komsan Chiyadis

GrabFood delivery-partner, Thailand

Komsan Chiyadis

GrabFood delivery-partner, Thailand

COVID-19 has dealt an unprecedented blow to the tourism industry, affecting the livelihoods of millions of workers. One of them was Komsan, an assistant chef in a luxury hotel based in the Srinakarin area.

As the number of tourists at the hotel plunged, he decided to sign up as a GrabFood delivery-partner to earn an alternative income. Soon after, the hotel ceased operations.

Komsan has viewed this change through an optimistic lens, calling it the perfect opportunity for him to embark on a fresh journey after his previous job. Aside from GrabFood deliveries, he now also picks up GrabExpress jobs. It can get tiring, having to shuttle between different locations, but Komsan finds it exciting. And mostly, he’s glad to get his income back on track.