HK expands autonomous vehicle trial to connect airport, Tung Chung and Sunny Bay

Hong Kong’s Transport Department has updated a pilot license for autonomous vehicles (AVs) to launch a cross-district trial connecting Airport Island in North Lantau with Tung Chung Town Centre and Sunny Bay, marking a new step toward broader driverless operations.

The move, made in accordance with section 20(3)(b) of the Road Traffic (Autonomous Vehicles) Regulation (Cap. 374AA), aims to implement proposals set out in the Policy Address and the Transport Strategy Blueprint to facilitate cross-district AV applications and promote the safe and orderly development of driverless technology.

According to official documents, Baidu Apollo has been granted approval to extend its testing routes from Airport Island to Tung Chung Town Centre and Sunny Bay, covering up to 43.2 kilometers.

The number of autonomous vehicles permitted to operate simultaneously has also been increased. On Airport Island, the number of vehicles participating in open-road passenger-carrying trials will rise from 10 to 20, while in Tung Chung town center the number will increase from three to eight.

In addition, during the Airport Island trial, remote backup operators stationed at a control center will be introduced alongside onboard backup operators. The arrangement aims to collect more operational data in preparation for a gradual transition toward fully driverless operations, in which remote backup operators would replace in-vehicle personnel.

A Transport Department spokesman said the North Lantau trial has made significant progress since its launch at the end of 2024. Over the past year, it achieved four notable technical advancements: the simultaneous operation of multiple vehicles, passenger-carrying trials for designated personnel, expanded test routes and higher vehicle speeds.

The spokesman said the results demonstrate Hong Kong’s steady progress in promoting autonomous driving and lay a solid foundation for wider applications in the future.

The department also welcomed interested organizations and enterprises to apply for autonomous vehicle pilot licenses. Upon receiving applications, authorities will assess factors including the design operating range and functions of the autonomous system, compliance with relevant national or international standards and guidelines, and road testing performance, in accordance with the Code of Practice for Trial and Pilot Use of Autonomous Vehicles.

The government emphasized that driving and road safety remain its top priorities. It said it will continue to draw on practical experience to refine technical standards, share research findings with the industry in a timely manner and promote autonomous vehicles in a prudent and orderly manner.