Shenzhen launches free self-driving bus route for cross-border travelers

Shenzhen Bus Group has launched a complimentary autonomous minibus service, Route B888, for travelers heading north from Hong Kong. The service began on Tuesday, August 26, connecting the Luohu Port border crossing to the MixC Mall.

The route spans approximately 10.9 kilometers and passes through several of the city's core commercial and cultural landmarks, including the Guomao Building, Shun Hing Square, and the Shenzhen Grand Theatre. The full journey is estimated to take 65 minutes.

A dedicated smart waiting pavilion has been installed at the Luohu Port bus stop, featuring an interactive exhibition hall and check-in services for passengers.

The route is notable as Shenzhen’s first full-time L4-level autonomous driving service to operate on urban open roads.

According to research conducted by the bus group, the service aims to meet strong enthusiasm from Hong Kong residents eager to experience the technology.

To cater to cross-border passengers, the bus will provide trilingual announcements in Mandarin, Cantonese, and English, which will include introductions to the landmarks along the route.

Furthermore, a cross-border reservation system developed by Shenzhen Bus Group in collaboration with Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB) allows visitors to book trips via the APP1933 platform.

After selecting their travel time and stops, users receive a QR code that serves as a reservation voucher, ensuring a seamless experience for all passengers.