Punggol Residents Experience Smooth Rides in ComfortDelGro's Autonomous Shuttle Trial
Singapore's push toward smarter mobility took another step forward this year with ComfortDelGro's ongoing autonomous vehicle trial in the Punggol district. The transport operator has already provided rides to more than 1,500 participants in an invite-only phase that began on April 7, 2026. Early feedback indicates the system is performing reliably on local roads, handling Singapore's unique traffic patterns and weather conditions effectively.
The trial forms part of broader efforts to introduce driverless shuttles as a convenient option for short-distance travel within residential neighbourhoods. These services aim to bridge gaps between homes, transport hubs, and community amenities, offering residents an additional layer of connectivity alongside existing bus and rail networks.
Partnership Driving the Technology
ComfortDelGro has teamed up with Pony.ai, a specialist in autonomous mobility technology, to deploy five-seater shuttles on fixed routes in Punggol. The vehicles rely on advanced sensors, cameras, and high-precision mapping to navigate independently while a trained safety operator remains on board to intervene if needed. This human oversight ensures a gradual transition as the technology matures in real-world settings.
Company representatives noted during a June 12, 2026 briefing that manual interventions have been decreasing as the system gains experience with local conditions. The partnership builds on prior testing experience, including operations in other cities, to refine safety protocols and operational procedures tailored to Singapore's environment.
Route Details and Service Coverage
The ComfortDelGro-operated route, often referred to as Route 2, connects key points across Punggol East and Punggol North. Stops include residential blocks, Punggol Plaza, One Punggol community facilities, Punggol Coast Mall, and the bus interchange near Oasis Terraces. This setup targets first- and last-mile needs, making it easier for families, seniors, and daily commuters to move around the neighbourhood without relying solely on personal vehicles or longer public transport journeys.
Similar routes operated by other providers, such as Grab in partnership with WeRide, complement the network, creating multiple options within the same district. The overall programme reflects coordinated planning to test different technological approaches side by side.
Rider Feedback and Operational Insights
Participants in the invite-only trial have described the rides as smooth and comfortable, with the shuttles maintaining cautious speeds appropriate for residential areas. The vehicles adapt to Singapore's tropical climate and mixed traffic environments, including interactions with pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users.
ComfortDelGro has nine safety operators supporting the current fleet. As data accumulates, the company observes improved performance, paving the way for potential extensions in operating hours once full commercial service begins. The trial phase allows for iterative improvements based on direct community input.
Regulatory Support and Testing Milestones
The Land Transport Authority has played a central role in approving these trials on public roads. ComfortDelGro's vehicles completed required assessments, including milestone evaluations at dedicated testing facilities, before passenger operations commenced. This structured approach ensures safety standards remain high throughout the deployment process.
Singapore's framework for autonomous vehicles emphasises phased rollouts, starting with controlled trials and progressing toward wider availability. Such measures help build public confidence while gathering essential performance data under local conditions.
Photo by Remy Gieling on Unsplash
Broader Context of Autonomous Mobility in Singapore
Autonomous shuttles represent one element of Singapore's long-term transport strategy, which seeks to enhance efficiency, reduce congestion, and support sustainable urban living. Fixed-route services like those in Punggol complement the extensive Mass Rapid Transit and bus systems by addressing shorter, intra-neighbourhood trips.
National targets include scaling up autonomous vehicle deployments across the city-state. The Punggol initiative serves as a practical test bed, informing future expansions to other districts and potentially different vehicle types or use cases.
Challenges Addressed During Testing
Early operations have highlighted the importance of adapting to Singapore-specific factors such as frequent rain, dense pedestrian activity, and varied road layouts. The technology has demonstrated resilience, with safety operators providing a reliable backup during the learning phase.
Feedback mechanisms built into the trial allow operators to address minor issues promptly, contributing to steady improvements in reliability. This iterative process is typical of autonomous vehicle introductions worldwide but benefits here from Singapore's compact geography and strong regulatory oversight.
Looking Ahead to Commercial Operations
With the invite-only phase yielding positive results, ComfortDelGro is preparing for wider public access. Plans call for booking through the company's Zig app, with services expected to transition toward paid operations around the middle of 2026. Pricing indications point to fares in the region of a few dollars per ride, positioning the service as an affordable supplement to existing transport options.
Future scaling could involve larger fleets and extended hours, subject to continued regulatory approvals and performance monitoring. The experience gained in Punggol will likely influence similar projects elsewhere in Singapore.
Community and Stakeholder Perspectives
Local residents and community leaders invited to participate have provided valuable insights that help refine the service. Early adopters appreciate the convenience for short trips, particularly in a growing neighbourhood like Punggol with its mix of housing, amenities, and transport nodes.
Transport operators view these trials as opportunities to develop new capabilities in fleet management and safety systems. The involvement of established players like ComfortDelGro brings operational expertise that supports a responsible introduction of the technology.
Implications for Singapore's Transport Landscape
Successful trials such as this one contribute to a more resilient and flexible mobility ecosystem. By offering on-demand or scheduled shuttle options within neighbourhoods, authorities aim to reduce reliance on private cars for short journeys while improving accessibility for all age groups.
The data collected will inform policy decisions on vehicle standards, infrastructure needs, and integration with other smart-city initiatives. Singapore's approach balances innovation with caution, prioritising safety and public acceptance.
Photo by Timo Wielink on Unsplash
Future Outlook and Potential Expansions
As the trial matures, observers anticipate further refinements that could lead to fully driverless operations in controlled environments. Continued collaboration between operators, technology providers, and regulators will be essential for scaling these services sustainably.
The Punggol experience underscores Singapore's position as a testing ground for advanced mobility solutions, with lessons that may apply to other dense urban settings globally. Residents can expect ongoing updates as the service evolves from trial to regular operation.
