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Kwoon Chung Bus Holdings Limited is excited to announce that its subsidiary, KC Smart Mobility, in collaboration with joint venture partner Prime Motors Limited, has successfully secured a service contract with the Hong Kong Airport Authority. This contract aims to introduce autonomous electric bus services on the “Airportcity Link,” Hong Kong’s largest autonomous bus transportation system.

The system will connect the Artificial Island at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge’s (“HZMB”) Hong Kong Port with the vibrant retail, dining, and entertainment hub known as 11 SKIES within SKYCITY upon completion. This marks a significant milestone as Hong Kong’s inaugural public transportation system featuring autonomous electric buses, promising swift travel times of 2 to 3 minutes. Operations are scheduled to commence by the end of next year.

The “Airportcity Link” autonomous transportation system at Hong Kong International Airport will link the HZMB Hong Kong Port with 11 SKIES in SKYCITY, catering primarily to inbound travelers arriving through the HZMB. Spanning approximately 850 meters, the system includes pedestrian bridges and flyovers, utilizing state-of-the-art autonomous transportation technology. Each autonomous electric bus will accommodate 16 or 12 passengers, including one wheelchair user, facilitating seamless journeys between the Hong Kong Port’s artificial island and SKYCITY. Travel times are expected to be drastically reduced to 2 to 3 minutes.

The first phase of the autonomous electric bus service is slated to begin operations by the end of 2025, targeting an initial capacity of approximately 500 passengers per hour in each direction with each autonomous bus. The autonomous driving technology employed meets the “Level 4” automation standard defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), capable of achieving “Level 4” or higher operations through advanced Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication. The system will leverage a dedicated 5G network provided by the Airport Authority to ensure secure wireless communication during operations.

Passenger Traffic Surge Expected at HZMB Due to Favorable Policies

Recent government data reveals a steady rise in passenger traffic via the HZMB following the return to normal travel conditions last year. Leveraging autonomous transport systems promises to bolster the island airport’s overall transport network, effectively managing the growing influx of travelers. This enhancement aims to boost capacity and efficiency, offering convenient commuting options for both Hong Kong residents and tourists frequenting 11 SKIES in SKYCITY.

Timothy Wong, MH, Chief Operating Officer of KCBH, expressed enthusiasm for the “Airportcity Link” autonomous transport initiative at Hong Kong International Airport. This project not only enhances public transport accessibility for Greater Bay Area travelers but also sets a precedent for future mobility initiatives ahead of the forthcoming Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles Policy. Moreover, the widespread adoption of electric vehicles underscores a significant stride towards environmental sustainability.

He stated that KCBH has been expanding its autonomous electric bus services in recent years and is pleased to see more infrastructure projects introducing autonomous electric vehicle transportation systems. “KC Smart Mobility takes on the responsibility of being a technical enabler to localize and commercialize advanced technology. As the technical enabler, we are dedicated to applying advanced technologies to the smart mobility domain and driving the industry’s innovation and development. Our vision is to become the pioneer in localizing and commercializing autonomous driving and to integrate technology with the needs of the Hong Kong and global markets. Implementation and commercialization of technology can be demonstrated in such.”, said Mr.Wong.

Autonomous driving technology continues to advance, with KCBH leading the charge in this evolving era, stated Mr. Wong. KCBH has achieved notable milestones in the autonomous electric vehicle market. Alongside the recent Airportcity Link autonomous electric bus service project, KCBH will launch the first “5G Autonomous Shuttle Bus Service in Residential Estate” at Fairview Park in the second quarter of this year. These buses, equipped with AI technology, advanced sensors, 5G connectivity, high-definition maps, target perception, path planning, and wheel motion control, will accommodate either 12 or 8 seats plus one wheelchair. They will operate alongside existing free shuttle buses (red and blue lines) within Fairview Park, enhancing passenger service. Additionally, KCBH has secured a contract for autonomous electric shuttle minibuses in the West Kowloon Cultural District. Expected to debut in the fourth quarter of 2025, two minibuses seating 19 passengers each will autonomously connect the M+ Museum with the district.

“To KCBH, investment in autonomous driving and future development is merely the beginning, and it will not end here. We will continue to delve into the various autonomous driving scenarios and automation possibilities at the Hong Kong airport and gradually expand the application scenarios across Hong Kong. KCBH’s goal is to become a key operator of autonomous driving technology implementation projects in Hong Kong, injecting new vitality into the city’s transportation development.”, Mr. Wong. He believes that the prospects of autonomous transportation systems in Hong Kong are optimistic. The Hong Kong government has been actively promoting Hong Kong as a leading smart city and advocating for smart mobility; coupled with the maturing technology of efficient and safe autonomous electric vehicles, he can foresee that more and more large-scale infrastructure and private development projects will consider incorporating autonomous transportation systems into their project planning.