8 July 2025, Singapore's Lianhe Zaobao reported that there are currently 17 autonomous vehicle (AV) testing projects underway in the country. Among them, Grab’s autonomous shuttle bus service officially launched on Wednesday, July 9. This development marks a further deepening of Singapore’s strategy in smart transportation and lays the groundwork for the future transformation of the public transit system.

Grab’s Shuttle Bus: Corporate-Led Pilot Accelerates Tech Collaboration

Grab’s newly launched autonomous shuttle bus service is being piloted in one-north, primarily serving Grab headquarters employees commuting to and from the one-north MRT station. This service is jointly developed by Grab and A2Z, a fully autonomous technology company based in South Korea. The electric buses are currently operated with trained safety attendants on board to ensure passenger safety during the initial phase. As Singapore’s first enterprise-led autonomous shuttle initiative, the project not only aligns with the government’s push for smart mobility but also provides a practical scenario for the commercial deployment of autonomous driving technology.

17 Testing Projects in Parallel: Dual Engine of Government Planning and Corporate Exploration

According to Singapore’s Ministry of Transport, autonomous driving is a key strategy to address challenges such as an ageing population, labor shortages, and the need to improve public transport efficiency. Currently, 17 autonomous vehicle pilot projects are running across the island, covering a wide range of use cases such as community shuttles, tourist transportation, and municipal services.

For instance, WeRide has launched a Level 4 autonomous shuttle route at Resorts World Sentosa and plans to expand services to residential areas like Punggol and Tengah by the end of 2025, integrating into the national public transport network. These projects follow a progressive path of “technology testing – limited operations – large-scale rollout,” gradually building an ecosystem that balances safety and efficiency.

Policy and Technology in Tandem: Building a Sustainable Transport Future

The Singapore government promotes autonomous driving with a "safety-first, phased implementation" approach. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) enforces a strict three-tier safety testing framework and works with unions to support workforce transitions—ensuring that drivers can move into new roles such as safety attendants or remote operators.

The simultaneous launch of Grab’s shuttle service and the ongoing 17 pilot projects highlights both the technological capabilities of private enterprises and the collaborative efforts between the government and market players in shaping the future of mobility.

As autonomous driving technology moves from pilot to practical use, Singapore is steadily progressing toward its “Smart Nation” vision of a green, efficient, and inclusive transport system. With more communities and companies joining pilot initiatives, autonomous vehicles are expected to become a key supplement to public transit—offering diverse mobility options for residents and visitors alike.