Hong Kong and Guangdong Negotiate Expanded No-Booking Days for Cross-Border Vehicle Scheme
SingTao · 2 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The Transport and Logistics Bureau chief Chan Mui-cheung revealed at the Legislative Council Transport Affairs Panel meeting on September 30 that Hong Kong and Guangdong authorities are actively negotiating to extend no-booking arrangements for the "Hong Kong Vehicles Northbound" scheme to more non-busy workdays . The scheme, launched in 2023, has seen remarkable participation with about 160,000 Hong Kong private cars joining, meaning roughly one in every four vehicles has taken part . The government already removed booking requirements for Tuesdays and Wednesdays starting last September . Separately, the "Guangdong Vehicles Southbound" scheme aims to expand coverage to all 21 Guangdong cities by the first quarter of 2027 .
Key Points
- The "Hong Kong Vehicles Northbound" scheme launched in 2023 has attracted approximately 160,000 Hong Kong private cars, representing one in four vehicles
- Since September 2025, booking requirements were cancelled for Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and authorities are now discussing extending this exemption to other non-busy workdays
- The "Guangdong Vehicles Southbound" scheme, which expanded to all nine Greater Bay Area cities from mid-2026, targets coverage of all 21 Guangdong cities by Q1 2027
- Three smart green mass transit projects are progressing: Kai Tak (contract by end of 2026, 2031 opening), East Kowloon (contract in 2027, 2033 opening), and Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen (tender by end of 2026, 2031 opening)
- The government began accepting applications for commercial autonomous driving operations this year, with some operators conducting driverless tests to accumulate mileage
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong residents, expanded no-booking access to the mainland through the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge will significantly reduce travel friction during peak periods like the upcoming National Day Golden Week . The broader integration of smart transit systems and autonomous vehicle technology positions Hong Kong to address long-term challenges including driver shortages and traffic congestion while maintaining public transport reliability and operator financial sustainability .
For Hong Kong residents, expanded no-booking access to the mainland through the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge will significantly reduce travel friction during peak periods like the upcoming National Day Golden Week . The broader integration of smart transit systems and autonomous vehicle technology positions Hong Kong to address long-term challenges including driver shortages and traffic congestion while maintaining public transport reliability and operator financial sustainability .