While flying cars might still be a pipe dream in Singapore, Punggol residents can now brag that they’re living in the future. The neighbourhood, which was once called ulu, will soon be home to self-driving shuttles, a service that sounds straight out of 2030. So even if you’re not a Punggolian (seriously, who coined that term?), we can all agree that this is a transport upgrade worth getting hyped about.
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Image adapted from: @ltasg via Instagram
These self-driving shuttles are autonomous vehicles (AVs) without drivers, obviously, and are being rolled out in Punggol to ferry residents to key amenities and transport nodes around the neighbourhood. The shuttles will be operated by Grab-WeRide and ComfortDelGro-Pony.AI – 2 major players in the global AV tech scene.
If this sounds like sci-fi made real, well, AVs aren’t entirely new to Singapore. Grab has been using them since July 2025 to shuttle staff between its office and one-north MRT, while WeRide has been zipping passengers around Resorts World Sentosa for about a year. But this is the first time AVs are hitting the heartlands – so Punggol residents, congrats, you’re the chosen ones.
Punggol Digital District.
Image credit: JTC
Punggol might feel like Singapore’s favourite child right now – and honestly, we don’t blame you for thinking that. But there’s a reason.
The neighbourhood was picked for the self-driving shuttle pilot because it checks all the boxes: a compact layout ideal for AV testing, well-established travel patterns among residents, and mature road infrastructure that can handle AVs. Feedback from residents has also helped map out the best shuttle routes.
It also makes sense given how futuristic Punggol already is. With the Punggol Digital District, which has been dubbed “Singapore’s Silicon Valley”, and the GenAI-powered FairPrice Finest at Punggol Coast Mall, it seems only fitting that self-driving shuttles make their heartlands debut here.
2 of the 3 self-driving shuttle routes will bring you to One Punggol.
Image credit: People’s Association
For starters, these self-driving shuttles are set to make parts of Punggol that are a bit out of the way today easier to reach, and could shave up to 15 minutes off your journey.
Although Punggol residents will probably enjoy the biggest perks, the rest of us aren’t left out either. Visiting friends who live in the area before popping by Punggol Coast Mall, or exploring the list of things to do in Punggol, will become more convenient.
Routes 1 and 2.
Image adapted from: LTA
There will be 3 main routes launched in stages, connecting residents to hotspots like Oasis Terraces, Punggol Plaza, One Punggol, and Punggol Coast Mall.
| Route | Operator | Area | Locations |
| 1 | Grab | Punggol West to Punggol East |
|
| 2 | ComfortDelGro | Punggol East to Punggol North |
|
| 3 | Grab | Punggol West to Punggol North |
|
Route 3.
Image adapted from: LTA
Route 1 trips will take around 35 minutes, running from 9.30am to 5pm on weekdays, with no pre-booking needed. Residents can look forward to saving up to 10 minutes compared to current public transport options.
Each Route 2 trip will take about 55 minutes, with commuters saving up to 15 minutes versus existing public transport.
Finally, Route 3 will take around 40 minutes per trip, offering time savings of up to 10 minutes.
The first route is set to launch for wider public service in the second quarter of 2026. But don’t be surprised if you’ve already spotted those bright purple shuttles zipping around – they’re currently being driven manually to “map” the roads, and going through familiarisation runs and rigorous testing.
Once that’s done, members of the community will get a chance to board the shuttles for free in stages, giving residents a peek at how driverless commuting works.
The government has also shared some big plans: 10 self-driving vehicles are expected on the roads by the end of 2025, and that number will ramp up to 100 to 150 by the end of 2026.
Fares for the self-driving shuttles are expected to sit somewhere between public transport and ride-hailing prices. Exact details will be shared closer to the launch, so keep an eye out.
Image credit: LTA
Yes, every AV will have a trained safety operator on board to keep things smooth during commercial passenger service. Grab and ComfortDelGro have even set up academies to train driver partners who want to transition into new roles, including safety operators.
Before hitting the roads officially, the shuttles will also go through extensive training, learning every little detail of their assigned routes – from traffic lights and zebra crossings to speed limits. A trained engineer and safety operator are always present as well.
For other motorists: just treat these shuttles like any other vehicle on the road and obey traffic rules.
The neighbourhood is quickly shaping up to be Singapore’s little hub of the future. Whether you’re living there or just visiting, Punggol is starting to feel like a sneak peek of 2030, and we’re here for it.
More Punggol-related reads:
Cover image adapted from: @sun.xueling via Instagram, People’s Association
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