The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has directed Grab to pause autonomous-vehicle (AV) testing at certain junctions after a near miss involving a schoolgirl in Punggol.
The restriction will remain until investigations are completed. It applies to testing at such junctions, rather than a suspension of Grab’s entire AV service.
LTA said on 6 November 2026 that it had been informed of the incident the previous day and was investigating, CNA reported.
Safety Operator Took Control
The incident occurred at about 8:11am on 5 November at Punggol Field Walk.
AsiaOne’s account of footage posted by SG Road Vigilante described a girl stepping onto a pedestrian crossing as a Grab autonomous shuttle turned left. A woman then moved forward to hold her.
LTA told AsiaOne that preliminary data showed the vehicle had detected both pedestrians and continued tracking their movements.
The vehicle began turning after the traffic light turned green, while the pedestrians initially remained stationary. When the child started crossing, it began braking and steering right, LTA said.
The safety operator on board then took control and continued braking and steering away from the pedestrian, according to LTA’s account carried by CNA.
The authority will review whether the vehicles’ response in similar situations needs adjustment.
Grab told AsiaOne it was reviewing the incident with LTA and its autonomous-driving technology partner, WeRide.
Vehicle Was Testing a New Route
LTA said the vehicle was testing a new route ahead of Grab’s enhanced on-demand travel service in Punggol.
Grab announced the on-demand pilot on 29 July. It is designed to let riders book a dedicated AV between designated pick-up and drop-off points, taking a direct route instead of following a fixed shuttle loop.
That planned service differs from Grab’s existing fixed-route shuttles, which opened for public rides on 1 April 2026.
