MTR Corporation has begun road trials of an autonomous vehicle connection service in Hong Kong’s West Kowloon district, with a planned launch in the second quarter of 2027.
The proposed service will provide an additional transfer option between Hong Kong West Kowloon Station, which serves the Guangzhou–Shenzhen–Hong Kong High-Speed Rail, and Kowloon Station on the Airport Express.
The initiative is being developed with Airport Authority Hong Kong as part of efforts to improve connections between high-speed rail and air services.
The trial follows the granting of an autonomous vehicle pilot licence by Hong Kong’s Transport Department. MTR will use four sixth-generation Baidu Apollo autonomous private cars on designated roads between the two stations.
No passengers will be carried during the initial trial phase. Each vehicle will have a backup operator supplied by the contractor, who will monitor operations and intervene where necessary.
MTR will review the results of the trials with the contractor before seeking to progress towards a driverless passenger trial, subject to approval from the Transport Department.
Wilson Kwong, MTR Corporation’s Hong Kong Transport Services Director, said:MTR is dedicated to applying innovative technology to promote ‘Smart Mobility’. With HSR being a popular choice for cross-boundary travel, enhancing the travel experience of HSR passengers connecting to the airport by taking the Airport Express will further strengthen the synergy of the ‘Rail-Air Intermodal Service’, and contribute to the long-term development of Hong Kong. We will collaborate closely with AA to complete the road trial as scheduled and work towards launching the service upon obtaining the necessary approvals from relevant departments.
At present, passengers can walk between Hong Kong WestKowloon Station and Kowloon Station via the ELEMENTS shopping centre before continuing to Hong Kong International Airport on the Airport Express.
Under the proposed new arrangement, passengers would also be able to use an autonomous vehicle to travel between the stations. MTR said the service could provide an option for transferring passengers and their luggage.
The companies are also planning for passengers to use in-town check-in and baggage drop-off facilities at a new counter within Hong Kong West Kowloon Station.
MTR and Airport Authority Hong Kong are continuing to develop the operational arrangements for the service, including which passenger groups it will initially serve. Further details are expected to be announced ahead of the planned launch next year.
