MTR Wins Approval for Self-Driving Vehicle Trial Between West Kowloon and Kowloon Stations
Thestandard · 1 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
The Transport Department has granted MTR Corporation a pilot license to test autonomous vehicles between Hong Kong West Kowloon Station and the Airport Express Kowloon Station. The West Kowloon Air-Rail Intermodal Service project will involve four self-driving private cars operating along a designated route covering Wui Man Road, Jordan Road, Nga Cheung Road, Station Perimeter Road South, Station Perimeter Road East and Station Perimeter Road North. During the trial, a backup operator will remain inside each vehicle at all times and take manual control if necessary. The vehicles will also be required to display the Transport Department's designated autonomous vehicle labels.
Key Points
- The Transport Department granted MTR Corporation a pilot license for the autonomous vehicle trial linking two major railway hubs
- Four self-driving private cars will operate along a route covering Wui Man Road, Jordan Road, Nga Cheung Road, and three Station Perimeter Road segments
- Each vehicle will carry a backup operator at all times who can take manual control if needed
- All vehicles must display the Transport Department's designated autonomous vehicle labels during the trial
- MTR plans to start road tests this month, with passenger and baggage transfer services targeted for Q2 next year
Why It Matters
The project aims to establish a seamless autonomous connection between the Express Rail Link and Hong Kong International Airport, facilitating transfers for air and rail passengers alike. By successfully operating within this multimodal transport hub, the initiative will demonstrate the safety, stability and operational feasibility of autonomous vehicle technology in a complex, high-traffic environment, potentially serving as a model for integrating AV fleets into Hong Kong's wider public transport network.
The project aims to establish a seamless autonomous connection between the Express Rail Link and Hong Kong International Airport, facilitating transfers for air and rail passengers alike. By successfully operating within this multimodal transport hub, the initiative will demonstrate the safety, stability and operational feasibility of autonomous vehicle technology in a complex, high-traffic environment, potentially serving as a model for integrating AV fleets into Hong Kong's wider public transport network.