Grab told to pause autonomous vehicle tests at some junctions after near-miss
Singapore’s Land Transport Authority is investigating an incident involving a schoolgirl and an autonomous shuttle in Punggol.
Grab has been directed to suspend autonomous vehicle testing at certain junctions after a shuttle nearly struck a schoolgirl crossing a road in Punggol. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) said the suspension would remain until its investigation was complete.
In a response to Mothership on Nov. 6, LTA said its review of vehicle data showed that the shuttle had identified two pedestrians and was monitoring them. It started turning left when the traffic signal changed to green, while the pedestrians were still stationary.
LTA said the vehicle braked and moved right when the child began crossing. An onboard safety operator subsequently took over, manually applying the brakes and steering away from her. The authority will also consider whether the vehicle’s response to similar situations needs adjustment.
Footage shared on Nov. 5 by the Facebook page SG Road Vigilante showed the girl crossing while the pedestrian signal flashed green. She stopped as the shuttle approached.
The shuttle was participating in a Punggol trial launched on Apr. 1, 2026. Grab runs two routes and ComfortDelGro one. A Grab spokesperson said the company was examining the incident with LTA and its partner WeRide.
