WeRide Inc. and Grab Corp. secured approval from Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) to expand autonomous vehicle (AV) testing in the Punggol district. The approval covers the Ai.R fleet of 11 AVs—10 GXR passenger vehicles and one Robobus—allowing the duo to increase test runs by up to four times by the end of 2025. Safety operators will remain on board during all runs to provide real‑time supervision.
Testing in Punggol actually began in mid‑October 2025, giving the vehicles a head start on data collection before the formal approval. The district, a key residential area being developed as a “smart district,” offers a diverse traffic environment that helps the AVs learn to navigate mixed traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists while handling weather conditions such as sudden rain and intense sun glare. The fleet is equipped with LiDAR and 360° cameras with a 200‑meter detection range, enabling the vehicles to perceive their surroundings with high fidelity.
The LTA approval is a critical regulatory milestone that moves WeRide and Grab closer to commercial deployment. By expanding test runs, the companies can gather a larger dataset to refine their AI driving models, reduce safety risk, and accelerate the timeline for the Ai.R shuttle service, which is slated to carry its first public passengers on two dedicated routes in early 2026. The partnership with Grab—Singapore’s leading superapp—provides local platform access, customer reach, and infrastructure support, positioning the joint venture to scale quickly across Southeast Asia.
Dr. Tony Han, founder and CEO of WeRide, emphasized that the expanded testing will help address regional manpower constraints by delivering reliable, driverless transportation. Grab’s Managing Director for Singapore, Alejandro Osorio, highlighted the excitement of bringing autonomous shuttles to Punggol and underscored the company’s commitment to safety through rigorous testing. Their comments illustrate how the regulatory approval supports both operational excellence and strategic partnership goals.
Singapore’s broader smart mobility agenda and its structured AV testing framework—outlined in the Technical Reference 68—provide a supportive environment for autonomous innovation. The LTA’s decision signals confidence in the safety and reliability of the Ai.R platform and sets a precedent for future testing in other districts. For investors, the approval marks tangible progress toward WeRide’s goal of commercial robotaxi and shuttle services in high‑growth international markets, reinforcing the company’s competitive position in the region.
The content on BeyondSPX is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or investment advice. We are not financial advisors. Consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Any actions you take based on information from this site are solely at your own risk.