Hong Kong MTR Tests Four Autonomous Vehicles for High-Speed Rail-Airport Shuttle, Launching in Q2 2027

en.Wedoany.com Reported - The MTR Corporation has commenced road trials for an autonomous shuttle service in Hong Kong's West Kowloon district, with the service slated for launch in the second quarter of 2027. It will provide passengers with an additional transfer option between the Hong Kong West Kowloon Station of the Guangzhou–Shenzhen–Hong Kong High-Speed Rail and the Airport Express's Kowloon Station.

The initiative, jointly developed by MTR and the Airport Authority Hong Kong, aims to improve connectivity between high-speed rail and aviation services. The trials commenced after obtaining a pilot permit for autonomous vehicles from Hong Kong's Transport Department. MTR will deploy four sixth-generation Baidu Apollo autonomous passenger vehicles on designated roads between the two stations. The initial trial phase will not carry passengers, with each vehicle accompanied by a backup operator provided by the contractor to monitor operations and intervene when necessary.

MTR will review the trial results with the contractor before seeking to advance to driverless passenger-carrying trials, subject to approval from the Transport Department. Wilson Kwong, Director of Hong Kong Transport Services at MTR, stated that the corporation is committed to promoting "smart mobility" through innovative technology. High-speed rail is a popular choice for cross-border travel, and optimizing the experience for high-speed rail passengers transferring to the Airport Express for the airport helps strengthen the synergy of "rail-air intermodal services" and supports Hong Kong's long-term development. MTR will work closely with the Airport Authority to complete the road trials on schedule and strive to launch the service upon obtaining approval from relevant departments.

Currently, passengers can walk between Hong Kong West Kowloon Station and Kowloon Station via the ELEMENTS shopping mall before transferring to the Airport Express to reach Hong Kong International Airport. Under the new arrangement, passengers will also be able to use autonomous vehicles to travel between the two stations. MTR stated that the service offers an option for transferring passengers carrying luggage. The two companies also plan to set up new counters within Hong Kong West Kowloon Station for passengers to complete in-town check-in and baggage check-in.

MTR and the Airport Authority Hong Kong are continuing to formulate the service's operational arrangements, including which passenger groups will be served initially. Further details are expected to be announced before the planned launch next year.