The Transport Department (TD) today announced that it has issued a pilot licence for autonomous vehicles (AVs), approving a trial between the Express Rail Link at Hong Kong West Kowloon Station and the Airport Express at Kowloon Station.
Issued in accordance with the Road Traffic (Autonomous Vehicles) Regulation, the pilot licence approves the trial of four private cars operating in autonomous mode. The approved route includes Wui Man Road, Jordan Road, Nga Cheung Road and Station Perimeter Roads South, East and North.
A backup operator will remain inside each vehicle to take control if needed. Additionally, all participating AVs must display the TD’s designated labels for public awareness.
The department noted that the trial will test AV technology safety, stability and operational feasibility in high passenger flows and complex traffic dynamics. Success in this multimodal transport hub will help integrate autonomous fleets into the wider public transport network.
Once regular operations begin, the AVs will provide a seamless, automated interchange between the Express Rail Link and the Airport Express. This convenient connection is expected to attract more travellers to use both the Express Rail Link and Hong Kong International Airport.
Chaired by the Commissioner for Transport, the Autonomous Vehicle Applications Promotion Working Group will monitor the project. The group will collaborate with relevant departments and the industry to review the progress of each AV project. The group will also guide trial locations, vehicle types and licensing frameworks to support commercial development, while exploring regulatory arrangements for limited commercial services.
