Residents in Punggol will soon be able to hop on free autonomous shuttle services, as Singapore moves a step closer towards integrating driverless transport into daily commuting.
The announcement was made in Parliament by Jeffrey Siow during the Ministry of Transport’s Committee of Supply debate. From Apr. 1, 2026, members of the public can begin riding selected autonomous vehicle (AV) routes, with registration opening online from Mar. 25.
The initiative forms part of Singapore’s broader smart mobility strategy, which focuses on transport innovation, urban connectivity and sustainable public transport solutions in residential estates.
Over 25,000km Of Testing Completed
According to the Land Transport Authority (LTA), the AVs operating in Punggol have clocked more than 25,000 kilometres of testing without major safety incidents. Since community preview rides began by invitation in January, approximately 740 participants have experienced the service.
Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with 99 per cent of respondents indicating they would recommend the autonomous shuttle to others. The trial has allowed operators to fine-tune safety protocols, onboard systems and route performance before opening the service to the general public.
Three routes were previously outlined. Two are operated by Grab, while the third is run by ComfortDelGro. One 10km route links eastern and western Punggol, while another 12km route covers the north-eastern sector. A third service connects residential clusters such as Matilda Court and Punggol Northshore to lifestyle destinations including One Punggol and Punggol Coast Mall.
Free Rides Before S$4 Flat Fare Launch
For an initial trial period, rides on Routes 1 and 3 will be offered free of charge. This move aims to encourage wider public participation and gather more commuter feedback before revenue operations begin.
From mid-2026, a flat fare of S$4 per passenger will apply. Authorities say the AV routes are expected to improve last-mile connectivity and reduce public transport journey times by up to 15 minutes for some residents. The fixed pricing model also provides cost transparency for commuters evaluating alternative mobility options.
Meanwhile, Route 2 operated by ComfortDelGro is undergoing driver familiarisation and system adjustments, with by-invite rides expected to commence soon.
If the pilot proves successful, the Acting Minister indicated that similar autonomous vehicle trials could be extended to areas such as Sentosa, Tuas and Mandai. Expansion will depend on commuter interest and operator readiness.
As Singapore continues investing in smart city infrastructure and transport technology, Punggol’s rollout marks a significant milestone in the evolution of autonomous public mobility within a dense urban environment.