Autonomous taxis publicly available in Singapore via nuTonomy and Grab
NuTonomy and Grab have teamed up to offer free rides in self-driving taxis to the general public in Singapore. While the initial 2.5 square-mile area covered by nuTonomy's cars in the initial invitation-only trial has been doubled, it still does not include highways. Grab passengers will be able to select the ‘robo-car’ option on Grab’s app, as long as they are over 18, book in advance and sign a liability waiver. Rides will be free for at least two months and are currently limited to modified Renault and Mitsubishi EVs that have a safety “driver” in the front and a researcher in the back who oversees the vehicle’s software. NuTonomy also announced $16m in funding to continue its goal of offering fully self-driving taxis within two years.

The rivalry between Uber Technologies Inc. and GrabTaxi Holdings Pte. Ltd. expanded to a new front Friday, when Grab said it is teaming up with self-driving car company nuTonomy for a wider public trial in Singapore.

Starting Friday, selected Grab customers in the city-state can use the ride-hailing app to book a ride in a nuTonomy vehicle through a special icon. All rides are free, though restricted to the one-north business district and adjacent neighborhoods.