- Pony AI and a local transport operator will offer invite-only autonomous rides on a 12-kilometer route in Singapore's Punggol area.
- The move follows in the footsteps of rival WeRide, which launched Singapore's first public robotaxi service in the same area earlier this month.
Pony AI has received approval from Singaporean regulators to launch an invite-only autonomous ride service, marking the final phase before rolling out public-facing operations.
The Chinese autonomous driving technology company said in a statement Tuesday that the service will be operated in collaboration with local transport operator ComfortDelGro, marking a key milestone in its overseas commercialization roadmap.
The service will operate on a 12-kilometer route in north-east Punggol, connecting residents in Punggol Northshore and Waterway Sunrise to key amenities such as Oasis Terraces and Punggol Coast Mall.
The route takes about 55 minutes to complete and provides direct access to MRT stations, which is expected to save residents up to 15 minutes compared with current public transport options.
Pony AI CEO James Peng said Singapore is an important step in the company's global commercialization strategy, and entering the by-invite ride phase brings the project closer to real daily commuting scenarios.
Pony AI's latest progress follows that of its rival WeRide, which partnered with ride-hailing giant Grab to launch Singapore's first public robotaxi service on April 1.
WeRide's public mobility service also operates in the Punggol area, currently featuring a fleet of 11 autonomous vehicles and allowing the public to book free trial rides until mid-2026.
For Pony AI, the Singapore milestone reflects its dual-engine growth strategy, as the company leverages its proven business model to expand its autonomous driving operations in both domestic and overseas markets.
During the current by-invite ride phase, Pony AI and ComfortDelGro will work with local stakeholders to gather passenger feedback to further refine service operations before opening to the public.
