Pony.ai and ComfortDelGro Partner to Launch Autonomous Vehicles in Singapore

SINGAPORE – Pony.ai, a leading player in the autonomous driving arena, is expanding its global footprint, announcing its entry into the Singaporean market. The company is partnering with ComfortDelGro, Singapore’s largest transportation operator, to roll out autonomous vehicle (AV) services aimed at revolutionizing daily commutes. The strategic move comes as Singapore aggressively pursues its smart mobility vision.

The initial deployment is planned for the Punggol district, with fixed routes designed to integrate seamlessly into the existing transportation network. Service commencement is contingent upon regulatory approval, expected in the coming months.

This initiative dovetails with Singapore’s broader ambition to incorporate autonomous mobility solutions into its existing infrastructure, which includes taxis, ride-hailing services, and the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system. Furthermore, the deployment aims to address persistent driver shortages, particularly during off-peak hours, a challenge the city-state has been actively seeking to overcome.

Pony.ai and ComfortDelGro’s collaboration builds on a pre-existing relationship, cemented by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in July 2024. This foundational agreement established a strategic alliance with the express goal of accelerating the commercialization of autonomous driving technology at scale. A pilot program in Guangzhou, launched in March 2025, served as a crucial testing ground, providing valuable insights that have informed their subsequent expansion into Singapore.

The Singaporean government, through the Ministry of Transport (MOT), has signaled its commitment to autonomous vehicle integration. In June 2025, the MOT unveiled plans to deploy AVs within public housing estates by year-end, effectively weaving them into the fabric of the national public transport network. The Punggol district is slated as the initial focal point for this rollout, underscoring the government’s proactive stance on addressing driver shortages and enhancing public transportation connectivity.

Dr. James Peng, Founder and CEO of Pony.ai, emphasized the company’s enthusiasm for entering the Singaporean market, stating, “We are thrilled to introduce Pony.ai’s advanced autonomous driving technology to Singapore. By delivering safe, comfortable, and efficient autonomous mobility services, we are committed to enhancing local residents’ daily commutes and advancing the nation’s smart mobility vision.”

ComfortDelGro’s Managing Director and Group CEO, Mr. Cheng Siak Kian, echoed this sentiment, adding, “We are delighted to expand our partnership with Pony.ai to bring safe, innovative and reliable autonomous mobility services to communities in Singapore. Our successful collaboration in Guangzhou has provided a strong foundation for this next phase, combining Pony.ai’s proven technology with our operational expertise and infrastructure capabilities. This partnership supports our vision for sustainable and intelligent mobility solutions that will benefit our communities.” ComfortDelGro’s existing operational infrastructure and fleet management expertise are seen as crucial components for a successful AV deployment.

Pony.ai currently operates fully driverless commercial Robotaxi services in China’s four Tier-1 cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. These services span an area exceeding 2,000 square kilometers. The company boasts over 50 million kilometers of autonomous driving mileage globally, reflecting a robust safety record and high user satisfaction. In the second quarter, registered users on its ride-hailing platform experienced a surge of 136% year-over-year, while maintaining a user satisfaction rating exceeding 4.8 out of 5.

The company’s global expansion efforts remain aggressive. Prior to the Singapore announcement, Pony.ai revealed a partnership with Qatar’s Mowasalat “Karwa” to introduce autonomous vehicles to the country. Pony.ai is also working Uber in the Middle East region. Furthermore, Pony.ai is actively conducting on-road testing in Luxembourg and, with local partner Emile Weber, operates 24/7 testing in Seoul’s Gangnam district.

Peng concluded, “Singapore has world-class transportation infrastructure, and its government is very supportive in developing autonomous mobility to help build a green and sustainable future. We see great potential in the local market as well as the broader Southeast Asian markets. Combining our technology with ComfortDelGro’s extensive local expertise, we hope to use Singapore as a launchpad to explore more opportunities in the region.” Analysts note that Singapore’s stringent regulatory environment and high population density present a unique proving ground for autonomous driving technology, potentially setting a benchmark for future deployments in other urban centers globally.