Baidu’s autonomous ride-hailing platform, Apollo Go, is set to launch Hong Kong’s first autonomous driving experience open to the public in Tung Chung. Running from October 20 to November 3, the event will allow residents to experience first-hand how right-hand-drive driverless vehicles perform on Hong Kong roads.
The experience route will start at Yat Tung Estate Car Park 1, pass the Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung Hotel and return to the starting point. The 5.1km journey takes about 15 minutes. The vehicles, designed specifically for Hong Kong, are right-hand drive and fully comply with the city’s left-hand traffic rules. Multiple sensor arrays mounted on the roof will monitor nearby vehicles, pedestrians and changing road conditions in real time.
The vehicles are RT-6 electric models with two dedicated passenger seats. A touchscreen inside the cabin allows passengers to adjust the air conditioning, seat recline and other settings during the journey. The spacious interior also includes storage space for luggage. Each vehicle will have a trained safety operator holding a valid Hong Kong driving licence on board, who can take over the vehicle if necessary to ensure passenger safety.
Apollo Go obtained Hong Kong’s first autonomous vehicle pilot licence in November 2024, with its testing area gradually expanding from the airport island to North Lantau and other areas. Opening the service to the public marks an important step for the project, giving residents a close-up look at how autonomous driving technology operates and its safety mechanisms.
Places will be allocated through the District Office. Participants must be at least 1.35 metres tall. The organisers have also prepared backup vehicles to cope with unexpected situations such as traffic congestion. After the experience, organisers will collect participants’ feedback to inform future technical improvements and route adjustments.
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