'Good, I felt safe': Grab CEO Anthony Tan test-rides Punggol self-driving shuttle

Grab CEO and co-founder Anthony Tan took to Punggol to test-ride the company's new autonomous vehicle (AV) shuttle service across the residential district.

The service, which launched its Route 1 on Jan. 12, is currently in its community testing (Community Rides) phase before an expected public launch in 2026.

Tan documented his experience navigating the streets of Punggol under Route 1, and shared in an Instagram post on Jan. 12.

Smooth ride

At the start of the clip, Tan said that Grab has been testing the AV fleet "on the roads" since October 2025 to study the traffic and road behaviours in Punggol.

He also pointed out the newly installed signage at 234 Punggol Matilda Court, where residents will be able to board the shuttles to reach Punggol Plaza, Oasis Terraces, and nearby MRT stations.

He added: "Residents can just wait here to take the AV to amenities like the market or the polyclinic."

While the vehicle operated autonomously, Tan was accompanied by Vincent Teo, a certified Safety Operator.

The video also showcased the vehicle's interface, which uses a combination of LiDAR and advanced cameras to detect pedestrians and cyclists at crossings, public buses and heavy traffic, and obstacles in blind spots.

"The screen is picking up all the obstacles," Tan observed as the shuttle navigated a busy junction.

He also noted that there is "no abrupt acceleration", and that he felt "safe" with the stop.

AV "wasn't always like that"

Reflecting on the evolution of the tech, he said that he can now "be on the phone" and "can read", without experiencing "the least bit of discomfort".

However, it was not always the same in the past, as Tan recalled his first AV ride in 2016.

"It was very jerky. Actually, I was quite anxious," he said.

Top photos via @insidegrab/Instagram