MTR Begins Autonomous Vehicle Testing to Connect High-Speed Rail with Airport Express
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
MTR Corporation commenced autonomous vehicle road testing in the West Kowloon district on Wednesday, with the goal of launching a shuttle service connecting high-speed rail passengers with the Airport Express Kowloon Station. The initiative, developed in partnership with the Airport Authority, will deploy four Baidu Apollo sixth-generation autonomous sedans on a designated route between Hong Kong West Kowloon Station and Kowloon Station, with a target service launch in Q2 next year.
Key Points
- MTR began autonomous vehicle testing on Wednesday in the West Kowloon district following receipt of a pilot license from the Transport Department
- Four Baidu Apollo sixth-generation autonomous sedans will operate on the designated route connecting Hong Kong West Kowloon Station and Kowloon Station
- The first testing phase will be conducted without passengers, with backup operators monitoring vehicle operations at all times
- After obtaining Transport Department approval, the service will progress to passenger-free autonomous testing before full commercial launch
- Passengers can currently walk from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station through ELEMENTS mall to reach Kowloon Station for the Airport Express
- MTR and the Airport Authority are jointly developing the service to enhance "rail-air intermodal" connectivity and passenger experience
- High-speed rail passengers can also use new check-in and baggage drop services at Hong Kong West Kowloon Station
- MTR Hong Kong Passenger Services Director Kuang Yongquan said the service will better leverage "rail-air intermodal" synergies
Why It Matters
The autonomous vehicle shuttle represents a strategic investment in Hong Kong's position as a regional transportation hub, enabling seamless connectivity between high-speed rail and air services for travelers from the Greater Bay Area. The service aims to attract more passengers to use both Hong Kong's high-speed rail and international airport, bolstering the city's competitiveness in cross-border tourism and business travel .
The autonomous vehicle shuttle represents a strategic investment in Hong Kong's position as a regional transportation hub, enabling seamless connectivity between high-speed rail and air services for travelers from the Greater Bay Area. The service aims to attract more passengers to use both Hong Kong's high-speed rail and international airport, bolstering the city's competitiveness in cross-border tourism and business travel .