Self-Driving Minibus Begins Road Testing In Hong Kong

A self-driving minibus began road testing on Wednesday on a route between Hong Kong Science Park and MTR University Station in Hong Kong. The vehicle is one of two minibuses recently approved by Hong Kong’s Transport Department for a pilot autonomous driving permit covering the test section.

Minibus Begins Autonomous Driving Tests

The minibus has 12 passenger seats and carries the Transport Department’s pilot autonomous vehicle label. The label allows other road users to identify the vehicle during testing.

The minibus follows a planned route continuously while operating autonomously. It automatically yields to pedestrians, avoids other vehicles and stops at designated stops.

However, passengers are not yet travelling on the minibus during the testing phase. A backup operator remains on board and can take control of the vehicle when necessary.

Testing To Support Autonomous Driving

The road testing will generate data for further development of Hong Kong’s autonomous driving technology.

The test section between Hong Kong Science Park and MTR University Station provides the setting for the pilot programme. Two minibuses have received approval for autonomous driving tests on the route.

The testing programme will assess the minibus as it operates along its planned route and responds to pedestrians, other vehicles and designated stopping points.

Pilot Programme Expands Autonomous Vehicle Testing

The pilot represents a further step in testing autonomous vehicles on Hong Kong roads. During the current phase, the presence of a backup operator provides an option for human intervention when required.

Meanwhile, the minibus will continue road testing without passengers. The data gathered during these trials will be used to enhance Hong Kong’s autonomous driving technology.

With inputs from Reuters