Hong Kong issues pilot license for autonomous vehicle trial for inter-station passenger connection

HONG KONG -- The Transport Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government announced on Tuesday that it has issued a pilot license for an autonomous vehicle trial connecting Hong Kong West Kowloon Station of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (XRL) and Kowloon Station of the Airport Express.

The trial will involve four private cars operating in autonomous mode, each monitored by an on-board backup operator to take over control when necessary.

A spokesperson for the Transport Department said that the HKSAR government has been actively supporting autonomous vehicle development through policy, regulation, and funding. This project aims to demonstrate the safety, stability and operational feasibility of autonomous vehicle technology in complex traffic conditions.

Once the autonomous vehicles commence regular operation, a seamless autonomous link will be formed to enhance the travel experience and attract more travelers to use the XRL and the Hong Kong International Airport, the spokesperson added.