MTR and Airport Authority Launch Autonomous Shuttle Test with Baidu RT6 Vehicles
On August 19, 2026, MTR Corporation and the Airport Authority launched a rail-air intermodal autonomous shuttle test in Hong Kong, with Baidu operating four Apollo Go RT6 vehicles on a route between West Kowloon Station and Airport Express Kowloon Station. The first day ran smoothly, with vehicles navigating busy urban roads safely. The initial phase involves unmanned operation with backup operators, and subsequent phases will proceed under Transport Department guidance, laying groundwork for future integration into public transport.
Starting August 19, 2026, the autonomous vehicle test for the 'rail-air intermodal' service in West Kowloon, Hong Kong, officially commenced. The project is led by MTR Corporation and the Airport Authority, providing autonomous shuttle services between the High Speed Rail West Kowloon Station and the Airport Express Kowloon Station to connect high-speed rail and aviation passengers. Baidu is the operator of this test, making it the first autonomous road-testing project in Hong Kong to collaborate with a major public transport operator.
The first day of testing ran generally smoothly, with four Apollo Go sixth-generation autonomous vehicles (RT6) operating on designated sections, passing through Wui Man Road, Jordan Road, Nga Cheung Road, Station Circuit South Road, Station Circuit East Road, and Station Circuit North Road. The vehicles drove safely and stably on complex and busy urban roads, verifying the safety, stability, and operational reliability of the autonomous driving system in high-traffic environments.
The test will proceed in a phased, orderly, and safe manner. The first phase involves unmanned testing with backup operators on board, with the team closely monitoring the situation. Subsequent phases will be advanced gradually under the guidance of the Transport Department, laying the foundation for the future integration of autonomous vehicle fleets into Hong Kong's public transport system and regular commercial operations.
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