📋 Tender Overview
The Transport Department TD announced today July 15 that a pilot licence for autonomous vehicles AVs has been issued to approve an AV trial between Hong Kong Science Park and MTR University Station in accordance with section 41 of the Road Traffic Autonomous Vehicles Regulation Cap 374AA
The trial involves two light buses operating in autonomous mode routeing through Science Park East Avenue Science Park West Avenue Science Park Road Chak Cheung Street and Ma Liu Shui Public Transport Interchange During the trial a backup operator will be stationed in the vehicles at all times to take over control of the vehicle when necessary The TDs pilot AV labels must be displayed on all pilot AVs for identification by other road users Details of the pilot licence have been uploaded to the TDs website on AV trials
A spokesman for the TD said that the Government has been promoting the development of AVs in an active and orderly manner through a multipronged approach by providing policy support regulatory backing and financial subsidy This project funded by the Smart Traffic Fund aims to develop 12seat autonomous driving light buses suitable for road environments in Hong Kong It will test the complex road environments such as roundabouts and a public transport interchange Upon completion the project will provide practical data to enhance autonomous driving technology in Hong Kong
Driving and road safety remain the Governments top priorities The Government will draw on practical experience to refine technical standards share research findings with the industry in a timely manner and implement initiatives to promote AVs in a prudent and orderly manner Chaired by the Commissioner for Transport the Autonomous Vehicle Applications Promotion Working Group will in collaboration with relevant departments and the industry review the progress of each AV project provide steer on the trial locations vehicle types and licensing arrangements required to support the commercial development of AVs and explore appropriate regulatory arrangements to allow AVs to provide a certain degree of commercial services in specific areas on an individual pilot basis
The TD welcomes interested organisations or enterprises to submit applications for a pilot licence for AVs Upon receipt of an application the TD will consider various factors including the operational design domain and functions of the autonomous driving system relevant national or international standardsguidelines and the road testing conditions based on the Code of Practice for Trial and Pilot Use of Autonomous Vehicles before approval
