The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is gearing up for a tech revolution in Punggol with the introduction of autonomous shuttle services, set to launch in the second quarter of 2026. This initiative promises to enhance first-mile and last-mile connectivity for residents while cutting travel times by up to 15 minutes.
What’s in Store?
Three fixed-route autonomous shuttle services will be rolled out in stages:
- The first route, managed by Grab, will connect residents from Matilda Court and Punggol Clover to Oasis Terraces and Punggol Plaza.
- ComfortDelGro will operate the second route, linking Punggol Northshore to key areas like Oasis Terraces.
- Grab will also oversee a third route connecting Matilda Court and Punggol Northshore to One Punggol and Punggol Coast Mall.
Community-Centric Approach
Senior Minister of State for Transport and National Development, Sun Xueling, emphasised that Punggol’s diverse community and clear travel patterns made it an ideal testing ground for these autonomous shuttles. Similarly, Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow mentioned that these services will provide vital connectivity for various groups, including seniors, young adults, and families.
Technology Behind the Shuttles
The shuttles will feature a mix of five to eight-seater vehicles developed by WeRide and Pony.ai, both industry leaders in autonomous vehicle technology. The vehicles will be painted purple and distinctly marked as “Autonomous Shuttle,” making them easily identifiable to road users.
Safety First
Safety remains a top priority, with each shuttle equipped with a safety operator. The shuttles will undergo rigorous testing and community rides prior to full deployment. The LTA is keen on ensuring residents feel familiar with this new mode of transport, which will be trialled with a select group at no cost.
Training for Future Jobs
Grab and ComfortDelGro are proactively preparing for this shift by training existing driver-partners as safety operators and remote operators. As the transport landscape evolves, these roles are set to expand, creating exciting career opportunities in the autonomous vehicle sector.
Looking Ahead
As the autonomous shuttle services progress, residents can expect updates regarding their operation and fare structures. The authorities aim for these shuttles to seamlessly integrate into the existing public transport framework, enhancing accessibility for all.