Grab announced on Wednesday its partnership with Chinese autonomous driving firm WeRide to launch the Ai.R (Autonomously Intelligent Ride) operating along two approved routes in Punggol, with multiple designated stops.

It uses a fleet of 11 autonomous vehicles offering two main shuttle routes and a shorter 20-minute trip within the area, according to Grab.

Users can book free rides through a dedicated website between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on weekdays. The trial is expected to run until mid-2026, after which Grab plans to introduce paid services based on passenger feedback.

The public rollout follows months of testing since September 2025. During that period, the fleet carried more than 1,000 passengers and recorded over 30,000 kilometers of autonomous driving.

The autonomous shuttle in Singapore, launched by Grab and WeRide. Photo from Instagram

The move comes as Grab seeks to strengthen its long-term profitability, Bloomberg reported. The Singapore-based ride-hailing company faces ongoing pressure from regional competitors, including Indonesia’s GoTo Group.

While companies in the U.S. and China have already deployed driverless ride services, Grab has only recently expanded its investment in the sector. It backed U.S.-based May Mobility in October, remote-driving firm Vay in November, and China’s Momenta in December.

Bloomberg said in a November report that Grab’s initial push into autonomous vehicles is unlikely to contribute materially to revenue or profits in the near term, but could enhance the overall value of its platform for users.