Grab, in partnership with WeRide, has opened its autonomous shuttle service to the public in Singapore, marking the first deployment of its kind in the city-state.
The service, branded “Ai.R (Autonomously Intelligent Ride),” operates in the Punggol district and uses WeRide’s GXR robotaxi, built on the Farizon SuperVan architecture.
Grab said it progressed from initial regulatory assessment to public deployment in seven months. The service currently runs on weekdays between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. across two loop routes and a shorter “Mini Route.”
One route begins at Matilda Court, covering three stops in approximately 45 minutes, while another starts at Punggol Coast Mall with four stops over about 50 minutes. The Mini Route, also originating from Punggol Coast Mall, serves two stops in around 20 minutes.
The company is offering rides free of charge until mid-year as it gathers operational data and user feedback. Grab said it plans to use the insights to optimize service performance and determine future pricing, with discounted fares expected during the initial commercial rollout.
Users can reserve rides through a dedicated booking platform, selecting preferred routes and time slots. The current phase includes safety operators onboard, with 14 trained and certified driver-partners supporting operations, and additional personnel undergoing training.
The Ai.R fleet has completed more than 30,000 kilometres of driving and served over 1,000 passengers since January, according to the companies.
WeRide’s GXR vehicles are already deployed in multiple markets, including China, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. The company recently signed an agreement with Farizon to deliver 2,000 additional GXR units by the end of the year, with plans to expand its global robotaxi fleet to more than 2,600 vehicles.
