Baidu prepares Hong Kong’s first large-scale public robotaxi trial
Free Apollo Go rides in Tung Chung will carry more than 1,000 ticketed residents, with a backup operator in every vehicle.
Baidu’s Apollo Go is due to begin offering free autonomous-vehicle rides to Tung Chung residents on Oct. 21 in what is described as Hong Kong’s first large-scale public trial. The 14-day programme runs through Nov. 3 and is expected to serve more than 1,000 people.
Tickets will be distributed through district offices from Oct. 16, and riders must hold a physical ticket to participate. Baidu is using the exercise to demonstrate its autonomous-driving technology and collect feedback from residents and visitors, which it says will inform technical changes and a possible wider service. Iris Wong Man-hei called the trial a milestone for Hong Kong’s autonomous-driving sector.
The vehicles are RT-6 electric cars, with room for two passengers in the rear; the front passenger seat is closed. They are limited to 50 kilometres per hour while the fleet remains under test, and each carries a backup operator who monitors traffic and can take control when needed.
Those operators hold Hong Kong driving licences, average more than a decade of driving experience and complete more than 100 hours of training and examinations. Riders must be at least 1.35 metres tall, while wheelchair users are not being admitted at this stage.
A media preview used a 5.1-kilometre loop beginning at Yat Tung Estate Car Park No. 1, passing the Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung Hotel and returning to the car park. The journey took about 15 minutes.
The public trial follows a longer programme in North Lantau. Apollo Go received Hong Kong’s first autonomous-vehicle pilot licence in November 2024, began a project on Airport Island the following month, and obtained approval to test in Tung Chung in June 2025. The Transport Department said subsequent North Lantau trials had introduced simultaneous operation of multiple vehicles, passenger-carrying rides, expanded routes and higher speeds without major incidents or traffic congestion.
Hong Kong’s autonomous-vehicle regulatory regime took effect on March 1, 2024, after changes to the Road Traffic Ordinance and the introduction of the Road Traffic (Autonomous Vehicles) Regulation. Baidu’s stated next steps are to link Airport Island with Tung Chung town centre, add routes within Tung Chung and extend trials to Sunny Bay.
- Operator: Baidu Apollo Go