# Grab Pauses Autonomous Vehicle Testing After Punggol Near Miss Singapore authorities ordered a suspension of Grab's autonomous vehicle trials following a pedestrian safety incident. - **Source:** [CNA – Singapore](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore) - **Published:** 2026-11-06 - **Topic:** [technology](https://brifing.si/c/technology) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/e94414d1-c4a2-4679-92d9-937d5f8dcee6 ## Regulatory Suspension of Testing The Land Transport Authority has officially directed Grab to pause specific autonomous vehicle testing operations in Punggol. This regulatory intervention follows a reported near-miss incident involving a schoolgirl on Thursday morning. The authority is currently conducting a thorough investigation into the vehicle's performance and safety protocols during the event. ## Incident Mechanics and Response Preliminary data indicates the vehicle detected two pedestrians while preparing for a left turn. Although the vehicle initiated braking and steering maneuvers, the on-board safety operator was required to take manual control to avoid a collision. The incident occurred at approximately 8:11 am, captured in a viral social media video. ## Technological Partnership Details Grab is conducting these autonomous vehicle trials in collaboration with the technology firm WeRide. The vehicle involved was testing a new route intended to support Grab's enhanced on-demand travel service. Currently, Grab operates two distinct routes in the area, while competitor ComfortDelGro manages a separate route using Pony.ai technology. ## Broader Expansion Plans Halted Grab recently announced ambitious plans to scale its autonomous fleet from 10 to 50 vehicles over the next six months. The company aims to extend these point-to-point services beyond the Punggol district to other parts of Singapore. This safety incident may impact the timeline for these planned service rollouts and expansions. ## Safety Protocol Review Process The Land Transport Authority stated it will review whether current response protocols for autonomous vehicles at traffic junctions require adjustments. This evaluation is critical to ensuring that automated systems can safely navigate complex urban environments. Grab has confirmed it is working closely with both the authority and WeRide to review the incident. ## Operational Context of Testing Autonomous vehicle testing in Singapore is subject to strict oversight to ensure public safety during the development of new mobility solutions. The Punggol trials are part of a larger effort to integrate advanced on-demand travel services into the city-state's public transport ecosystem, requiring rigorous validation of all automated driving systems. ## Industry Standards for Safety The presence of a human safety operator remains a mandatory requirement for autonomous vehicle trials in Singapore. This dual-layer approach, combining automated detection with human intervention, is designed to mitigate risks during the testing phase. The current investigation will determine if the vehicle's automated decision-making met established safety performance standards. ## Future Implications for Automation This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of deploying autonomous technology in high-density urban areas with significant pedestrian traffic. As companies like Grab push for wider adoption, the balance between innovation and public safety remains a primary focus for regulators. Future testing will likely involve more stringent safety requirements and oversight. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/lta-grab-pause-av-vehicle-testing-punggol-near-miss-schoolgirl-6531876 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._