Gov’t greenlights self-driving cars trial along rail stations

Each vehicle will carry a backup operator able to take control if needed.

The Transport Department has issued a pilot licence approving a trial of four autonomous vehicles (AVs) operating between the Express Rail Link at Hong Kong West Kowloon Station and the Airport Express at Kowloon Station.

Issued under the Road Traffic (Autonomous Vehicles) Regulation, the licence covers four private cars running in autonomous mode along a route spanning Wui Man Road, Jordan Road, Nga Cheung Road and Station Perimeter Roads South, East and North.

Each vehicle will carry a backup operator able to take control if needed, and must display the department's designated AV labels for public awareness.

The trial is designed to test AV safety, stability and operational feasibility in high passenger flows and complex traffic conditions.

The department said if successful, it would support integrating autonomous fleets into the wider public transport network.

The Autonomous Vehicle Applications Promotion Working Group, chaired by the Commissioner for Transport, will monitor the project.

It will work with relevant departments and industry to review progress, guide trial locations, vehicle types and licensing frameworks, and explore regulatory arrangements.