Self-driving shuttles begin plying roads in Punggol next week

Vehicles to get familiar with roads in coming months; passenger rides to start in 2026

- Kok Yufeng Transport Correspondent

The first self-driving shuttles to be deployed in Punggol will begin to ply the roads there from next week, with the first route set to be open for wider public service by the second quarter of 2026 as part of a phased roll-out.

A mix of fiveand eight-seater vehicles, decked in bright purple livery with an amber beacon on the roof, will be used to operate three routes, covering parts of Punggol that are harder to reach by public transport today and potentially shaving up to 15 minutes off the journey time.

The first batch of three vehicles will begin to map out the new routes and become familiar with the local road conditions over the coming months, without taking any passengers.

In early 2026, members of the community will be invited to try out the autonomous shuttle services at no charge, before commercial service starts later in the year.

As a precaution, a safety operator will be on board the vehicles at all times.

Announcing the launch of the new shuttles during a public roadshow at Punggol Digital District on Sept 20, Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow said the aim is to bring in 10 self-driving vehicles by the end of 2025, and 100 to 150 by the end of 2026.

"Today in Punggol, we are starting a new chapter in transport. Safer, smarter, more convenient public transport for all," said Mr Siow.

Reiterating his vision for autonomous vehicle deployment here, he said these self-driving vehicles will complement the public bus network in the immediate term, adding more feeder routes and night services.