Singapore-based transport operator ComfortDelGro Corporation Limited announced Monday the launch of public rides on its Zig Driverless shuttles in Punggol, marking its second autonomous public service globally after its robotaxi pilot in Guangzhou, China.
The launch advances the group’s strategy to build and scale real-world autonomous mobility capabilities across its international network, the firm said in a statement.
From today, members of the public can book rides on the Zig Driverless service, with all journeys currently offered free of charge.
Passengers in Punggol can make bookings via the Zig app, with convenient pick-up and drop-off at designated points including Sam Kee, Northshore, and Punggol Coast Mall.
The launch builds on ComfortDelGro’s growing AV capabilities across fleet management, safety systems, and remote operations.
Learnings from China and Singapore will support the group’s responsible scale-up of driverless services across its international network, as it works towards transitioning approximately 10 percent of its global point-to-point fleet to autonomous vehicles by 2030, said the statement.
The group’s approach to scaling autonomous mobility operations is underpinned by a commitment to a responsible transition.
Driverless services are expected to complement its human driver workforce, help alleviate chronic driver shortages and create opportunities for employees to move into future-ready roles.
“Autonomous mobility is no longer a distant ambition. For ComfortDelGro, it is becoming part of how we operate,” said Cheng Siak Kian, Managing Director/Group Chief Executive Officer of ComfortDelGro.
“From our successful robotaxi pilot in Guangzhou to today’s public launch in Punggol, we are integrating technology, infrastructure, and operational know-how needed to deploy AV services safely and at scale,
“This launch gives us greater confidence as we work towards our 2030 targets,” he added.
Michael Huang, Head of Singapore Point-to-Point Mobility Business, added that the Zig Driverless to Punggol residents is enhancing first- and last-mile connectivity in a convenient, reliable, and inclusive way.
“ComfortDelGro has spent decades building the operational infrastructure, fleet expertise and service network that move Singapore every day,
“That foundation forms the backbone for scaling autonomous mobility safely and effectively,” he added.
In a separate statement, Pony AI said the launch of consumer-facing app access marks the next step in the service’s phased rollout in Punggol, expanding access beyond the earlier by-invite community ride phase and moving the service toward a more scalable, user-facing operating model.
The service has been developed through a phased rollout with the support of local regulators and the local community.
The ComfortDelGro and Pony.ai route in Punggol is designed to enhance first- and last-mile connectivity by linking residential areas with key amenities and transport nodes, including Punggol Coast Mall, Punggol Coast MRT station, One Punggol, Oasis Terrace and Punggol Plaza.
“We are grateful for the trust and support from regulators, ComfortDelGro and the local community,
“As we continue to refine the service through real-world operations, our focus remains on delivering safe, reliable and convenient autonomous mobility that can complement existing public transport systems,” said Dr. James Peng, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Pony.ai.
According to the statement, the expanded consumer-facing access further advances Pony.ai’s dual-engine growth strategy to scale autonomous mobility through deep local partnerships and phased commercial deployment across both domestic and international markets.
Supported by growing user demand, expanded service areas and improving operating efficiency, Pony.ai said it is continuing to scale its Robotaxi fleet, with a target of more than 3,500 Robotaxis by the end of the year and operations across more than 20 cities worldwide.
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