WeRide (NASDAQ: WRD) and Grab (NASDAQ: GRAB) commenced public operations for the Ai.R autonomous passenger service in Singapore's Punggol district on March 31, 2026, according to a press release statement.

The service represents Singapore's first autonomous passenger service deployed within a residential estate. The Ai.R fleet utilizes WeRide's GXR and Robobus autonomous vehicle models operated by Grab.

Since January 2026, more than 1,000 passengers, including Punggol residents and community leaders, participated in trials of the service. The fleet has accumulated 30,000 kilometers of autonomous mileage during the testing phase.

The service operates weekdays from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, offering two full shuttle routes and a 20-minute mini route. Rides remain free until commercial service begins in mid-2026.

WeRide and Grab have trained 14 driver-partners as certified Safety Operators, with additional training programs underway. Safety Operators will remain onboard vehicles during the initial public phase. The companies have also initiated Remote Operator training programs for fleet monitoring from a command center.

"WeRide is proud to deliver Singapore's first autonomous public ride service in the Punggol district," said Dr. Kerry Xu, General Manager of Singapore at WeRide. "Our GXR vehicles already operate as taxis in China, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia."

"Grab is delighted to be bringing the first autonomous vehicle service in a residential area to the public," said Alejandro Osorio, Managing Director of Grab Singapore.

The public can register for rides through the Ai.R website at rideair.ai. The project progressed from initial assessment to full public operations in approximately seven months.