The 13th episode of the “AI for Humans” series on HOY TV, with the theme “Building Smart Mobility in Hong Kong,” spotlighted the city’s growing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies to transform its transportation landscape. The episode brought together key leaders from government, industry, and research to discuss how AI is helping Hong Kong become a world-class smart city.

Featured guests included Mable Chan, Secretary for Transport and Logistics; Sunny Lee, Chairman of the Board at the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI); Dr Huang Ying, ASTRI’s Chief Technology Officer; Newton Ng, Commercial Director of Citybus; and Rex Wong, Managing Director of Kwoon Chung Smart Mobility.

AI-driven traffic control enhancing urban mobility

Mable Chan highlighted the role of AI in enhancing traffic management in Hong Kong, one of the world’s most densely populated cities. A pilot programme by the Transport Department using AI-powered traffic signal control has already reduced pedestrian and vehicle waiting times by 5–10%. With plans to scale the system to more locations, it will eventually integrate weather and traffic data to offer commuters real-time travel predictions and more flexible route planning.

Chan also reaffirmed Hong Kong’s leadership in autonomous driving legislation. To date, 12 autonomous vehicles have been approved for testing at 21 designated sites, with plans to launch unmanned shuttle bus services between the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge artificial island and Hong Kong International Airport by 2025.

ASTRI: driving innovation through V2X and cross-border collaboration

Sunny Lee of ASTRI emphasised the importance of cross-sector collaboration—between government, industry, academia, and investors—in advancing smart mobility. ASTRI’s Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) Technology Alliance is at the forefront of this effort, fostering partnerships that aim to localise and commercialise autonomous and V2X technologies. ASTRI has also successfully attracted international V2X companies to establish a foothold in Hong Kong and extend their reach into mainland China.

Dr Huang Ying, Chief Technology Officer at ASTRI, explained that the V2X technology enables vehicles to communicate with infrastructure such as smart lampposts, traffic signals, and high-speed 5G networks. Since 2018, ASTRI has carried out several public road trials in Hong Kong and, in 2022, completed the first cross-border test connecting the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Co-operation Zone. This milestone supports the joint development of smart traffic systems across the Greater Bay Area.

Public transport modernisation: Citybus embraces real-time smart tech

Citybus is collaborating with ASTRI to pilot V2X-equipped double-decker buses in the Kai Tak Development Area. According to Newton Ng, the buses receive real-time traffic alerts and route suggestions via roadside smart infrastructure. Meanwhile, smart bus stops monitor passenger flow to optimise service schedules.

Ng said the technology not only improves operational efficiency but also enhances passenger experience. Citybus plans to expand these innovations to further improve public transport quality and reliability.

Kwoon Chung Smart Mobility: autonomous buses ready for deployment

Rex Wong shared that the first fleet of autonomous buses developed by Kwoon Chung Smart Mobility is currently undergoing final testing. The vehicles are expected to begin operations by late 2025 or early 2026, offering scheduled services between the airport's SkyCity and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge artificial island.

He noted that discussions are underway with tourist attractions to use autonomous vehicles for sightseeing, showcasing the scalability of smart mobility technology in diverse applications.

Eyeing the skies: Hong Kong’s push into the eVTOL economy

Beyond ground transport, Hong Kong is also targeting the skies with the development of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The city aims to build a low-altitude economic ecosystem to bolster its position as a leading aviation logistics hub in the Greater Bay Area.

The government is supporting this initiative with a “regulatory sandbox” for testing, while strengthening cross-border collaboration in airspace management and service integration with Mainland China. Universities and local enterprises are actively conducting R&D to fast-track the commercialisation of eVTOL technology.

The road ahead: smart mobility as the foundation of a smart city

The latest episode of “AI for Humans” clearly illustrates how AI is reshaping Hong Kong’s transportation systems—from smarter traffic management and autonomous public transit to advanced cross-border mobility and aerial logistics. As these technologies mature, they are set to play a critical role in realising Hong Kong’s vision of becoming a fully connected, sustainable smart city.

“AI for Humans” airs every Saturday at 8:30pm on HOY TV Channel 78, with replays on Sundays at 6:30pm (Channel 77) and Tuesdays at 10:00pm (Channel 78). Episodes are also available for on-demand viewing on HOY TV’s official platforms.

HOY TV “AI for Humans”: HK accelerates smart city ambitions with AI-powered mobility solutions