
Punggol self-driving shuttles begin free rides on April 1
Punggol self-driving shuttles begin free rides on April 1
- Self-driving shuttles in Punggol will begin offering rides for free on April 1.
- Two routes will be available for the shuttles, covering various local stops and enhancing connectivity.
- The initiative aims to familiarize residents with AV technology and improve public transportation experiences.
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In Singapore, on April 1, 2026, self-driving shuttles will begin operations in Punggol, allowing members of the public to ride for free during an initial phase. These rides are part of a significant push to familiarize commuters with autonomous vehicle (AV) technology. Following this introductory period, scheduled to take place in mid-2026, riders will be charged a flat fare of $4 per passenger. Registration for rides will open on March 25, allowing users to select from two designated routes. The principal route will connect Punggol West to East, covering a distance of 10km with four stops. This journey takes approximately 35 minutes and includes key locations like Punggol Plaza and Oasis Terraces. The second route linking Punggol West to North spans 12km, with five stops and a travel time of 40 minutes. Stop points for this route will include places essential for local amenities and public transport connections, promising to enhance accessibility. Senior Minister of State for Transport, Sun Xueling, announced these details during a recent budget debate, emphasizing the initiative's goal to allow the public to engage with AV technology and provide feedback for refinement. ComfortDelGro is currently familiarizing its AVs on a third route linking Punggol East to North, indicating ongoing developments in the sector. Furthermore, Transport authorities are exploring the possible introduction of AVs to other areas in Singapore, contingent on interest from both AV companies and local commuters. The initiative has already garnered positive feedback, with nearly all trial riders expressing their willingness to recommend the service. The ongoing testing phase involves extensive road trials, which have recorded over 25,000 kilometers to ensure safety and operational reliability. Only a small fraction of the global vehicle population comprises autonomous vehicles, indicating that mass deployment across Singapore is still a future prospect, dependent on user acceptance and technological advancements.