Three scheduled fixed-route autonomous shuttle services will be progressively deployed in Punggol to enhance first-mile-last-mile (FMLM) connectivity. Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow announced today that the autonomous shuttle services will connect residents to key amenities and transport nodes within Punggol and cut travel times via public transport by up to 15 minutes.
2 The deployment of autonomous shuttle services in Punggol is part of longer-term plans to introduce new modes of transport and add to our public transport network by enhancing FMLM connectivity. Operated by Grab and ComfortDelGro, the three autonomous shuttle service routes, with four to seven stops per route, were planned in consultation with Grassroot Advisers based on feedback from the community. The first route is set to open to the public by the second quarter of next year. LTA will work with the operators to monitor the rollout in Punggol, with a view of deploying similar autonomous shuttles in other HDB towns such as Tengah.
Phased Deployment Approach to Ensure Safety
3 Safety is a key priority, with all autonomous vehicles (AVs) subject to LTA’s AV assessment framework. LTA will take a phased approach to deploy the autonomous shuttle services. Throughout the trial phase and commercial service, all shuttles will be monitored in real time, with performance data collected and analysed to ensure safe and reliable operations.
a. Testing and preparatory phase. The autonomous shuttles will first need to pass a closed-circuit test at the Centre of Excellence for Testing and Research of Autonomous Vehicles – NTU (CETRAN). Thereafter, they will be allowed to conduct on-road preparatory activities without passengers, with a safety operator on board at all times. These include detailed route mapping, sensor calibration, validation of artificial intelligence models, and allowing safety operators to familiarise themselves with the routes and localised traffic conditions.
b. Trial phase with community rides. After the preparatory phase, the community will be invited to experience the autonomous shuttle services with a safety operator on board for free. This will allow residents to experience the technology and familiarise themselves with the autonomous shuttle services. LTA and the operators will also gather feedback from the community and adjust service operations if required.
c. Commercial passenger service. The shuttle service will commence full passenger service, and all members of the public can take a ride. Details of the fares will be shared closer to the commencement of passenger service. Safety operators will continue to be on board at all times.
Details of AV Operators and Fixed Routes
4 Grab will operate two routes using the autonomous platform developed by WeRide, while ComfortDelGro will operate one route using the autonomous platform developed by Pony.AI. Both technology providers have a proven track record of deploying AVs overseas across multiple vehicle types, including shuttles and cars.
5 The first route operated by Grab and WeRide is a 10km-long round trip from east to west Punggol. The shuttle service will connect Punggol residents living in Matilda Court and Punggol Clover to the polyclinic at Oasis Terraces, and the market at Punggol Plaza. The total duration of the route will be around 35 minutes. The direct connectivity will provide residents with time savings of up to 10 minutes, compared to current public transport options.
6 The second route operated by ComfortDelGro and Pony.ai will operate in north-east Punggol. It is 12km-long and will connect residents living in Punggol Northshore to the polyclinic at Oasis Terrace and the market at Punggol Plaza; and residents living at Waterway Sunrise to amenities at One Punggol. Residents in both estates will also enjoy a direct connection to Punggol Coast Mall, which provides additional transport options via Punggol Coast MRT station and bus interchange, and access to hawker centres and other lifestyle amenities. The total duration of the route will be around 55 minutes. Compared to current public transport options, residents can expect time savings of up to 15 minutes.
7 The third route operated by Grab and WeRide is a 12km-long round trip connecting Matilda Court and Punggol Clover to the northern part of Punggol. Punggol residents living in Matilda Court will have enhanced connectivity to Punggol Coast MRT station and bus interchange, and the hawker centre at One Punggol. The total duration of the route will be around 40 minutes. Residents can also expect time savings of up to 10 minutes as compared to current public transport options. Please refer to Annex A for the maps of the three routes. The AVs will progressively be deployed along the routes for mapping and familiarisation before commencing by-invite community rides in early 2026. More details on the booking process and operating hours will be shared by the operators.
8 For a start, autonomous shuttle services will be operated using a mix of five to eight-seater vehicles. LTA will work with Grab and ComfortDelGro to refine various aspects of the service based on user feedback and demand patterns, including exploring different vehicle platforms of varying passenger capacity. The shuttles will be purple in colour, clearly labelled as an “Autonomous Shuttle” for easy identification by all road users, with an amber beacon mounted atop the AV. Signage will be placed to direct commuters to the pick-up and drop-off (PUDO) points, and to guide commuters on operating details such as routes, stops, schedules, and if pre-booking is needed, how to do so. Please refer to Annex B for visuals of the autonomous shuttles and PUDO signage.
ANNEX A – Route Maps of Autonomous Shuttle Service Routes
ANNEX B – Visuals of Autonomous Shuttles and PUDO Signage
