Pony AI Opens Public Robotaxi Bookings in Singapore's Punggol District
Source: Zag Daily
Chinese autonomous driving firm Pony AI has opened its robotaxi service in Singapore's Punggol district to public bookings through ComfortDelGro's Zig app, intensifying competition with WeRide and Grab as the city-state pushes toward 150 self-driving vehicles by year-end.
Pony AI has opened its autonomous ride-hailing service in Singapore's Punggol district to public bookings, marking a significant milestone in the city-state's push to become a regional hub for autonomous mobility. The service, operated in partnership with transport giant ComfortDelGro, is accessible through the Zig ride-hailing app and connects residential neighbourhoods to key destinations including Punggol Coast MRT, Punggol Coast Mall, One Punggol, Oasis Terrace, and Punggol Plaza.
Punggol has emerged as one of Southeast Asia's busiest autonomous vehicle testing grounds, and Pony AI's public launch directly rivals an existing driverless service operated by WeRide in partnership with Grab, which launched earlier in 2026. WeRide completed more than 30,000 kilometres of autonomous mileage during its community trial phase, setting a high bar for newcomer Pony AI. Both services focus on first- and last-mile connectivity, complementing Singapore's already dense public transport network rather than replacing it.
Pony AI's expansion into Singapore is part of a broader global push. The company, which raised approximately US$413 million in a November 2024 Nasdaq IPO and followed up with a Hong Kong listing in late 2025, aims to deploy more than 3,500 robotaxis across over 20 cities by the end of 2026. CEO James Peng cited Singapore's clear regulatory framework and the city-state's openness to autonomous mobility as key factors in choosing it as a beachhead for Southeast Asian operations.
Why it matters for Singapore: Pony AI's public launch accelerates Singapore's national target of putting 100 to 150 self-driving vehicles on the road by end-2026, a benchmark that will test whether the city-state can balance innovation with safety in a dense urban environment. The competition between Pony AI and WeRide in the same district also signals that Singapore's approach — building a clear regulatory sandbox and inviting multiple operators — is working as intended. For commuters, the immediate benefit is growing choice in first- and last-mile transport options, though widespread adoption will depend on pricing, reliability, and public trust in driverless technology.