Opinion | Embracing autonomous vehicles can revolutionise Hong Kong transport

Infrastructure upgrades, clear regulations, public engagement and cross-border collaboration can help establish the city as a leader in next-generation mobility

Reading Time:3 minutes

Published: 5:30am, 12 Jul 2025

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are poised to transform the way we live, work and travel. Cities such as Beijing and San Francisco are pushing the boundaries of driverless technology. Although Hong Kong was a late starter in AV testing, it has made significant strides since the enactment of the Road Traffic (Autonomous Vehicles) Regulation and its associated Code of Practice in 2024.

These regulations have enabled the Transport Department to swiftly approve testing applications. Baidu’s Apollo Go secured a pilot licence last year and most recently expanded its trials to Tung Chung.

This lays a foundation for Hong Kong to encourage the industry to transform testing data into standardised, exportable products, enhance market influence, upgrade the traditional automotive sector and position itself as a global leader in AV data transfer technology research and development.

AV technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace. Mainland China is leading the way, with some projections suggesting its AV market could reach about US$170.6 billion by 2033. Apollo Go, for example, has made significant progress in major cities such as Beijing, where around 3,000 sq km is scheduled to be open for testing, and Wuhan, where nearly 500 of its driverless vehicles operate.

Against such progress, Hong Kong’s historically cautious approach could result in it missing out on the economic and technological benefits of AVs. The new legislation will enable Hong Kong to address future smart city needs proactively.

AVs offer Hong Kong a transformative vision for transport. With an ageing workforce in the taxi and logistics sectors, AVs could provide reliable, round-the-clock services, easing labour shortages while boosting efficiency. Autonomous ride-hailing systems and logistics networks could reduce congestion, improve last-mile connectivity and lower insurance and other operational costs, creating a transport system that is both effective and environmentally sustainable.

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