Hong Kong completes ride-hailing data system, advances self-driving tests
Hong Kong's transport minister says a ride-hailing data management system is basically complete and in testing, while autonomous-vehicle trials are expanding. The government also outlined timelines for northern district rail and road projects, including the Gu Dong station in 2027 and the Qing Long
Hong Kong's Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mable Chan, said on 8 October that the government has completed legislation to regulate ride-hailing services. The Transport Department is now building a ride-hailing data management system, which is basically complete and has entered a testing phase to ensure data security and enable future dynamic assessments.
Chan also said the government would push for scaled-up and commercialised autonomous driving. The Transport Department has issued nine pilot licences, with tests under way in multiple districts. Some projects will this year conduct trials with no backup operator inside the vehicle. Chan expressed confidence that the Northern Territory (North District) would become a good testing ground.
She added that the government would set up a new-generation public transport interchange at a transport hub in the North District, providing real-time traffic information to facilitate cross-border travel for residents and tourists.
On railway projects to support the North District's development, Chan said the Gu Dong station would be the first to be completed, in 2027. The Northern Loop Line branch, together with the main line, would be merged and advanced, with a target of opening both by 2034 or earlier. For road infrastructure, the government would prioritise the Qing Long Bridge at the southern end of Route 11, targeting completion by 2033. The target for opening the New Territories North Road's San Tin section would be brought forward by two years to 2034.
According to current government estimates, the North District will gain nearly 170 kilometres of public roads, including about 24 kilometres of main roads linking various development hubs within the district and about 144 kilometres of local road networks in new development areas.