LTA directs Grab to pause some AV testing after near miss with schoolgirl in Punggol

Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) has told Grab to pause autonomous vehicle testing at some junctions in Punggol after one of its vehicles came close to hitting a schoolgirl. The incident is under investigation, and LTA will consider whether the vehicle’s response to pedestrians should be changed.

The vehicle was testing a new route for Grab’s planned on-demand service in Punggol. LTA said preliminary data showed it detected and tracked two pedestrians; when the girl began crossing after the light turned green, it braked and steered away, before an onboard safety operator took control. Grab said it is reviewing the incident with LTA and vehicle partner WeRide.