Didi to apply for driverless vehicle tests in Hong Kong this year

Chinese ride-hailing company Didi Chuxing plans to apply for driverless vehicle testing in Hong Kong this year, according to a government adviser. Transport Secretary Mable Chan and lawmakers toured Didi's Beijing headquarters last week to discuss the matter. Gary Zhang Xinyu, a member of the Transport Department's autonomous vehicle promotion working group, revealed that Didi would pursue an autonomous vehicle pilot license in Hong Kong.

Initial trials are expected to take place in Tseung Kwan O, a diverse urban area with varying road conditions. Didi is currently recruiting autonomous vehicle test drivers for Tseung Kwan O, offering HK$21,000 to HK$22,000 per month. As testing progresses, the company plans to expand trials to other new development areas like Tuen Mun's So Kwun Wat if a viable business model emerges.

The Transport Secretary expressed optimism that autonomous vehicles would be commonplace in Hong Kong within a few years. Chan visited Didi's autonomous driving test facilities in Beijing from September 2 to 5, noting that the technology demonstrated high maturity during the trip. The Transport Department has granted Baidu the first autonomous vehicle pilot license in Hong Kong, with tests starting in North Lantau.