Post by : Rohit Dhiman

Grab is preparing for a major expansion of its autonomous vehicle operations in Singapore, with the company planning to increase its fleet from 10 vehicles to 50 over the next six months. The expansion comes as the company looks to extend its autonomous mobility services beyond Punggol and explore a wider role for driverless transport across the city-state. The planned expansion is subject to regulatory approval. Grab said it will continue working with Singapore's Ministry of Transport and the Land Transport Authority to determine how and where autonomous services can be expanded. The move represents a significant step in Grab's development of Autonomous Vehicles, as the company seeks to integrate new mobility technology into its existing transport network.

Current Autonomous Fleet Has Covered More Than 110,000km

Grab said its existing autonomous fleet has already travelled more than 110,000km on Singapore's roads without human driving intervention. The vehicles have also provided rides to more than 12,000 unique passengers. Interest in the service appears to be growing. According to Grab, more than 1,000 people are currently on a waiting list for new autonomous vehicle experiences. That figure has increased from more than 500 people in July. The growing demand could provide the company with an opportunity to gather more passenger feedback while improving the technology and operating model before expanding the service further.

On-Demand AV Service Planned for Punggol

Grab is also preparing to introduce an on-demand autonomous vehicle service at selected locations in Punggol. Unlike the existing shuttle system, which follows predetermined routes, the new service will allow passengers to request rides between designated pick-up and drop-off points. The company said trial rides for selected users are expected to begin in the coming months. The service is expected to gradually become available to the wider public during the fourth quarter of 2026, when commercial fares will be introduced. The existing autonomous shuttle service will remain free while Grab continues testing and improving the new service. This model could make Autonomous Transportation more flexible for commuters by allowing passengers to request trips rather than relying solely on fixed shuttle schedules.

Grab and LTA to Assess Public Response

Grab and the Land Transport Authority will monitor how commuters respond to the new service and assess the operational performance of the existing shuttle system. The findings will help determine whether changes are required to the structure or coverage of the service. Any move to expand operations beyond Punggol will require the necessary regulatory approvals. This means the company's wider AV Expansion plans will depend not only on passenger demand and technological performance but also on regulatory and operational assessments. Grab is also investing in dedicated infrastructure to support its autonomous vehicle programme. The company is working with government agencies on the development of a dedicated depot in Punggol.

Hundreds of New Jobs Expected

The autonomous vehicle expansion is also expected to create new employment opportunities in Singapore. Grab said hundreds of new autonomous vehicle-related positions will be created for the local workforce. The company is developing talent for different parts of the industry, including design, engineering and operations. Grab president and chief operating officer Alex Hungate said the company wants autonomous vehicles to complement its existing driver network while creating new career opportunities. The company is therefore positioning its autonomous vehicle strategy not simply as a replacement for human drivers, but as an additional part of its broader transport ecosystem.

Training Programme Developed With WeRide

Grab's training arm, GrabAcademy, has been working with autonomous driving technology company WeRide to create training pathways for people interested in joining the autonomous vehicle sector. So far, 30 safety operators have received certification, while six of those operators have also been certified to perform remote operating roles. These positions are expected to play an important role as autonomous services expand. Although the vehicles are designed to operate without conventional driving, safety personnel and remote operations remain important components of the current deployment model. The development of a trained workforce could also help Singapore strengthen its capabilities in Self-Driving Technology and autonomous mobility.

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Singapore Could Become Regional AV Centre

Grab is also exploring opportunities to establish Singapore as a regional centre of excellence for autonomous vehicle localisation and deployment. The company sees potential for Singapore to become an important base for developing and adapting autonomous mobility technology for different markets across Southeast Asia. Singapore's compact urban environment, advanced transport infrastructure and regulatory framework provide an environment where autonomous vehicle technology can be tested and developed. Grab's plans could therefore have implications beyond the Punggol pilot, particularly if the technology and operating model prove successful.

Autonomous and Human-Driven Vehicles Could Work Together

Grab eventually wants its platform to manage trips involving both autonomous vehicles and human-driven vehicles. The company believes this combined approach could improve dispatch efficiency and reduce passenger waiting times. Under such a model, autonomous vehicles could be assigned to suitable trips while human-driven vehicles continue serving other areas and types of journeys. The approach would allow Grab to gradually integrate autonomous technology into its existing platform rather than creating a completely separate transport system. The company has previously said that it aims to deploy thousands of autonomous vehicles across Southeast Asia by 2030.

Wider Implications for Singapore's Transport Sector

The planned expansion comes as autonomous mobility continues to develop in Singapore. The country has been testing and regulating self-driving technology as part of its efforts to prepare for future transport needs. Grab's growing fleet will provide additional real-world data on passenger demand, vehicle performance and operational requirements. For commuters, the introduction of on-demand autonomous rides could eventually provide another transport option, particularly for short-distance journeys and connections between selected locations. However, the expansion will also require continued attention to safety, regulation, infrastructure and public confidence.

What Comes Next for Grab's AV Programme?

The immediate focus will be on expanding the fleet from 10 to 50 vehicles and preparing the new on-demand service in Punggol. Grab will also continue working with regulators, developing its dedicated infrastructure and training more workers for autonomous vehicle-related positions. If the trials perform well and receive the necessary regulatory approvals, the company could gradually expand its autonomous services to additional parts of Singapore. The planned fleet expansion marks another important stage in Grab's broader investment in Future Mobility, while the company's longer-term ambition of deploying thousands of autonomous vehicles across Southeast Asia could make the Singapore programme an important test for its regional strategy.

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