Singapore Launches First Self-Driving Taxis in Punggol

Singapore just made science fiction a daily reality for thousands of families in Punggol.

Grab and WeRide launched the city-state's first autonomous public ride service on Wednesday, bringing self-driving taxis to a residential neighborhood. Residents can now book rides through the Grab app and experience fully autonomous vehicles navigating their streets.

The journey to launch wasn't rushed. Since January 2025, over 1,000 local residents and community leaders tested the service and shared feedback to improve the ride experience. The fleet has safely traveled 30,000 kilometers during this trial phase.

"This service is about more than just deploying state-of-the-art vehicles. It is about building a future where technology and the community move forward together," said Alejandro Osorio, Managing Director of Grab Singapore. The partnership ensures innovation benefits everyone, from passengers to workers.

WeRide's autonomous vehicles already operate as taxis in China, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. The company brings proven technology to Singapore's streets, working closely with local authorities to scale operations safely.

The Ripple Effect

While some worry automation eliminates jobs, this project creates new opportunities. Fourteen Grab drivers have already completed specialized training to become certified Safety Operators who ride along during initial operations. Another group is currently training for these roles.

The partnership has also launched Remote Operator training programs. These positions allow workers to monitor the autonomous fleet from a central command center, blending human oversight with cutting-edge technology. GrabAcademy designed these programs to help existing drivers transition into new careers as the industry evolves.

The swift progress tells its own story. Moving from initial assessment to full public operations took just seven months, showcasing both WeRide's technological maturity and Grab's operational expertise. Their collaboration with Singapore's government made this rapid deployment possible.

Both companies serve on Singapore's Steering Committee on Autonomous Vehicles, ensuring safe integration into the national transport system. This partnership between private innovation and public planning creates a model other cities can follow.

For Punggol residents, the future of transportation arrived in their neighborhood first. Their feedback and participation helped shape a service that will eventually expand across Singapore, making urban mobility more sustainable and accessible for everyone.