TLDRs;
- Singapore to launch Level 4 autonomous shuttles in Punggol pending LTA approval.
- Ryde partners with MooVita to connect residents to MRT stations via app.
- Safety officers will oversee shuttle operations during the initial 12-month trial.
- Pilot supports Singapore’s long-term plan to scale self-driving vehicle adoption.
Singapore is set to take a major step toward self-driving mobility with the proposed deployment of Level 4 autonomous shuttles in Punggol.
Ryde, a leading mobility platform, has teamed up with self-driving technology firm MooVita to introduce the pilot program, which aims to go live by the fourth quarter of 2025, pending regulatory approval from the Land Transport Authority (LTA).
The shuttle service will connect residents to key MRT stations and transport hubs through Ryde’s mobile app, providing a seamless integration between autonomous transport and public transit. Initial operations will feature onboard safety officers for 12 months, after which supervision will transition to remote monitoring. Full autonomy will follow if the pilot meets safety and performance benchmarks.
Gradual Rollout Builds Public Trust
Singapore has taken a carefully phased approach to autonomous vehicle (AV) deployment over the past decade. Starting in 2015, controlled testing began at Buona Vista, CleanTech Park, and Sentosa, allowing engineers to evaluate AV performance in diverse scenarios. By 2019, the LTA expanded the testing zone to western Singapore, covering over 1,000 km of public roads.
Specialized infrastructure, including CETRAN facilities equipped with rain simulators and tropical weather testing capabilities, has been integral in ensuring AVs can handle real-world conditions. This incremental methodology culminated in WeRide launching Southeast Asia’s first fully driverless Robobus at Resorts World Sentosa in July 2025, achieving full driverless operation without any safety incidents.
The Ryde-MooVita pilot follows this same graduated model. Safety officers onboard during the first year ensure passenger confidence while the company collects real-time metrics on service availability and safety records, reinforcing trust before full autonomy is introduced.
Building a Broader Autonomous Ecosystem
Beyond Punggol, Ryde intends to create a comprehensive autonomous vehicle platform that can integrate multiple AV operators across Singapore. This initiative aligns with the country’s vision to accelerate self-driving technology adoption, transforming public transport into a more efficient and interconnected system.
With Singapore’s decade-long investment in AV infrastructure, including specialized testing tracks, controlled trials, and public demonstrations, the foundation for commercial deployment is robust. Experts note that the country’s methodical strategy not only improves safety but also gradually builds public acceptance for fully autonomous vehicles.
Implications for Urban Mobility
If successful, the project could expand to other HDB estates, offering Singapore residents a reliable, on-demand, self-driving transport option that complements existing public transit.
Furthermore, publishing metrics on performance and safety during the trial reflects a commitment to transparency and accountability. As Singapore continues to pioneer AV innovation in Southeast Asia, initiatives like Ryde’s shuttle service are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of urban mobility.
