Landmark Deployment in Punggol
WeRide, a global leader in autonomous driving technology, has partnered with Grab to launch Ai.R (Autonomously Intelligent Ride), Singapore’s first consumer-facing autonomous vehicle service. Selected by the Land Transport Authority (LTA), Ai.R will operate shuttle services in Punggol, making it the only service approved to run on two designated routes.
The fleet begins with 11 autonomous vehicles, including the five-seater WeRide GXR and eight-seater Robobus. Both vehicles have passed Singapore’s stringent Milestone 1 (M1) safety certification, allowing them to operate safely on public roads.
Public Launch and Demonstration
Ai.R was officially unveiled at the “Autonomous Shuttle in Punggol” event. The launch was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow, and Dr. Kerry Xu, General Manager of WeRide (Singapore). n
DPM Gan and Minister Siow also experienced a live GXR shuttle ride at Punggol Coast Mall.
Safety and Training
Every Ai.R ride will include a Grab Safety Operator during the initial phase. These operators are Grab private-hire and taxi driver-partners with excellent safety records. Since August, they have been undergoing training with GrabAcademy and WeRide.
The program combines classroom lessons with hands-on practice. Drivers learn about the autonomous driving system, emergency protocols, and smooth transitions between manual and autonomous modes. Only those who pass theory and practical tests are certified as AV Safety Operators.
Advanced Technology for Singapore Roads
Ai.R vehicles are equipped with cameras and LiDAR sensors that detect objects up to 200 metres away, even in heavy rain. This 360-degree awareness helps vehicles navigate safely in complex traffic conditions.
The shuttles are trained to follow Singapore’s traffic laws closely. They signal before turns, avoid rushing amber lights, and change lanes only with safe clearance.
Voices from the Ground
- Alex Hungate, President and COO of Grab, said: “Deploying GXRs in Singapore and Southeast Asia is a regional milestone. It strengthens integration with public transport and offers residents a smarter, seamless travel experience.”
- Jennifer Li, CFO and Head of International, WeRide, added: “This deployment paves the way for extending autonomous passenger services to more communities in the region.”
- Dr. Kerry Xu, GM of WeRide (Singapore) noted: “Our Robobus and Robosweepers have already served tens of thousands in Singapore. Now, the Robobus returns to Punggol to deliver safe, autonomous rides in the heartlands.”
Grab driver-partners also shared their excitement. Abdul Rashid, 55, called the role of AV Safety Operator a “meaningful job that blends driving and technology,” while Tony Lim, 43, said he was “excited to be an early adopter of this new industry.”