As of April 1, 2026, Punggol has officially launched its public autonomous shuttle service, and the best part? The rides are currently free. [Video is at the end of the article]
The trial is now ongoing weekdays from 9.30 am to 5.30am. Public can experience the “driverless” experience by making a booking online through the rideair.ai website.
The trial, a collaboration between Grab and WeRide, currently covers two main routes and a special “mini” experience. These routes are designed to bridge the gap between residential blocks and major hubs like Punggol Plaza and Oasis Terraces.
| Route | Main Stops | Duration |
| Route 1: West to East | Matilda Court (Blk 234), Punggol Clover, Punggol Plaza, Oasis Terraces | ~35 mins |
| Route 3: West to North | Matilda Court, One Punggol (Sam Kee LRT), Punggol Northshore, Punggol Coast Mall | ~40 mins |
| Route 3-Mini | A shorter loop starting and ending at Punggol Coast Mall | ~20 mins |
I managed to book a lot on 2 April and I was there 15 minutes early. I checked with the staff my booking and was briefed on the Grab app. After boarding the shuttle, scan the QR code to register the journey.
- The App: On the day of your ride, you’ll likely use the Grab app (look for the “Transit” icon) to check live locations and seat availability.
- Boarding: Once the shuttle arrives, scan the QR code inside to register your journey.
I am not sure if it’s my Grab app, I am unable to scan the QR code.
It’s natural to feel a bit “final destination” about a car driving itself, but the safety measures are intense:
- Safety Operators: Every vehicle currently has a certified Safety Operator on board who can take over manual control instantly if needed.
- 360° Sensors: The vehicles use LiDAR and cameras to detect objects up to 200 meters away.
- Proven Tech: These shuttles have already clocked over 30,000km of testing on Singapore roads before being opened to you.
It is able to even detect small animals including chickens.
The rides are free for a limited time while the operators gather feedback and fine-tune the system. mid-2026, the service is expected to transition into a paid “revenue service” with a flat fare of approximately $4.00 per ride.
Final Thoughts
The ride was smooth and quiet. The only hiccup is the Grab app not able to scan the QR code.
My thoughts : Punggol was chosen for this pilot because of its young demographic and modern infrastructure. I would say it is selected due to it’s low traffic on the roads. I wonder what would happen if it is in a CBD or a busy town centre. Furthermore the test is only on weekdays during off peak hours.
When it goes operational, will you be willing to pay $4 for it ? Comment.