MTR Launches Autonomous Vehicle Trial Between West Kowloon and Kowloon Stations
Thestandard · 1 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
MTR Corporation has launched road tests for autonomous vehicles in West Kowloon, marking a significant step toward improving rail-air connectivity in Hong Kong. The company aims to introduce a transfer service between Hong Kong West Kowloon Station and the Airport Express Kowloon Station by the second quarter of next year, pending regulatory approval. The trial currently operates without passengers while safety protocols are evaluated.
Key Points
- Four sixth-generation Baidu Apollo autonomous private cars are operating along designated routes between Hong Kong West Kowloon Station and Airport Express Kowloon Station
- MTR targets launching the service in the second quarter of next year, subject to Transport Department approval
- During the initial testing phase, vehicles will not carry passengers while backup operators monitor operations and can take manual control
- Wilson Kwong Wing-tsuen, MTR's Hong Kong Transport Services director, says the service will maximize benefits of rail-air intermodal services
- A dedicated counter will be set up at West Kowloon Station to provide in-town check-in and baggage drop-off services
Why It Matters
The autonomous vehicle service will eliminate the current need for passengers to walk through ELEMENTS shopping mall to transfer between the High Speed Rail and Airport Express, offering a direct and convenient connection. This development supports Hong Kong's long-term infrastructure goals and positions the city as a leader in adopting innovative transportation solutions for air travelers.
The autonomous vehicle service will eliminate the current need for passengers to walk through ELEMENTS shopping mall to transfer between the High Speed Rail and Airport Express, offering a direct and convenient connection. This development supports Hong Kong's long-term infrastructure goals and positions the city as a leader in adopting innovative transportation solutions for air travelers.