The short answer: Punggol now has self-driving shuttles that residents can ride. Grab and ComfortDelGro run five routes linking Matilda, Punggol Plaza, Oasis Terraces, One Punggol, Northshore and Punggol Coast Mall, from about 9.30am to 5.30pm. Public rides began free on 1 April 2026, and the Land Transport Authority has said a flat fare of about $4 per passenger applies once paid service starts.
The first time a car with no one’s hands on the wheel pulls up outside your block, it feels like a scene from a film. By the third ride, it just feels like a very polite bus. Here is how to use them, which route fits your trip, and what to tell a nervous grandparent.
The Routes at a Glance
- Route 1 (Grab): Matilda Court, Clover, Punggol Plaza, Oasis Terraces. Weekdays. Walk on.
- Route 2 (ComfortDelGro): Punggol Plaza, Waterway Sunrise I and II, One Punggol, Northshore, Punggol Coast Mall, Oasis Terraces. Daily. Book in the app.
- Route 2 Lite (ComfortDelGro): Punggol Coast Mall, One Punggol, Northshore. Daily. Book in the app.
- Route 3 (Grab): Matilda Court, Clover, One Punggol, Northshore, Punggol Coast Mall. Weekdays. Walk on.
- Route 3 Mini (Grab): Punggol Coast Mall, One Punggol, Northshore. Weekdays. Walk on.
All routes run roughly 9.30am to 5.30pm, with a vehicle every 10 to 15 minutes depending on the route. Operating details can change as the service moves out of its pilot phase, so check the operator’s app before you head down.
How to Ride
- Pick your route. Grab routes (1, 3 and 3 Mini) are hop-on, hop-off. ComfortDelGro routes (2 and 2 Lite) need a booking in the Zig app.
- Wait at the marked pick-up point for your route.
- Board and buckle up. The vehicle will not leave until seatbelts are fastened.
- Ride. A trained safety operator sits on board and can take over at any moment.
Riders who need assistance can book assisted rides through booking.gov.sg (ComfortDelGro) or rideair.ai (Grab).
What Are the Vehicles Like?
- WeRide GXR: a 5-seater packed with more than 20 sensors, including LiDAR and high-definition cameras.
- Robobus: an 8-seater with big panoramic windows. Children love the view.
- ComfortDelGro vehicles: smaller shuttles on Routes 2 and 2 Lite.
Are They Safe?
Before opening to the public, the shuttles logged more than 25,000km of autonomous driving by late February 2026. About 740 residents joined community rides from January 2026, and 99% said they would recommend the service. Every vehicle carries a safety operator, and LTA continues to monitor the service. Like any new transport, it is sensible to stay seated, keep your belt on, and follow the operator’s instructions.
Which Trips Is It Good For?
- Matilda to Oasis Terraces for the polyclinic (Route 1)
- Northshore to One Punggol for the library, hawker centre or community club (Routes 2, 3 or the mini loops)
- Anywhere to Punggol Coast Mall and the Digital District
LTA says Routes 1 and 3 can cut some public transport journeys by up to 15 minutes, because they go directly where the LRT loops make you go the long way round. For how the loops work, see How the Punggol LRT Shapes the Town.
A Small Lesson for Curious Kids
Ask your child to count the sensors they can see on the roof, then talk about what each one might be “watching.” LiDAR bounces light off objects to measure distance, much like a bat uses sound. It is a small, real-world science lesson on the way to the library, and it is the kind of everyday curiosity that makes Primary Science questions feel familiar later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Punggol autonomous shuttle free?
Rides were free from 1 April 2026 during the initial period. LTA has said paid service will use a flat fare of $4 per passenger. Check the Grab or Zig app for the current fare.
Do I need to book?
Only for ComfortDelGro’s Routes 2 and 2 Lite, through the Zig app. Grab’s Routes 1, 3 and 3 Mini are walk-on.
Do the shuttles run on weekends?
ComfortDelGro’s routes run daily. Grab’s routes run on weekdays.
Last updated: 25 September 2026. Sources: Land Transport Authority (March 2026), TheSmartLocal, Mothership. Part of The Complete Punggol Guide by eduKatePunggol.
