Apollo Go Cross-District Autonomous Driving Tests Expand in Hong Kong

Apollo Go, the autonomous mobility platform of (Baidu), is advancing its autonomous driving tests in Hong Kong with the launch of a new cross-district route. This expansion links North Lantau Airport Island with Tung Chung Town Centre and Sunny Bay, strengthening the operational footprint of Apollo Go in the region. The initiative follows the company’s earlier approval to conduct pilot programs and reflects steady progress toward scalable driverless operations under structured regulatory oversight.

Expansion of Cross-District Autonomous Driving Tests

The latest phase of autonomous driving tests marks the fifth network expansion for Apollo Go since securing Hong Kong’s first autonomous vehicle pilot test license in November 2024. By extending services beyond the airport hub into core residential and commercial districts, Apollo Go is broadening real-world operational exposure and validating cross-district mobility scenarios.

Extended 43.2km Test Route

The newly approved test route spans 43.2km, connecting North Lantau Airport Island with Tung Chung Town Centre and Sunny Bay. This expanded corridor allows Apollo Go to simulate complex urban and semi-urban traffic conditions, improving system adaptability and strengthening data-driven validation processes.

Integration with Hong Kong’s Intelligent Traffic Vision

The cross-district autonomous driving tests are aligned with Hong Kong’s broader traffic intelligentization strategy. By embedding autonomous vehicle trials within an evolving smart mobility framework, Apollo Go contributes to infrastructure-linked innovation and next-generation transportation planning.

Safe and Orderly Progression Toward Driverless Operations

Under official approval and regulatory guidance, Apollo Go is gradually transitioning toward driverless operations. The structured rollout ensures that operational safety, system redundancy, and traffic integration are continuously assessed before advancing to fully unmanned services.

Operational Enhancements and Testing Model

The North Lantau project introduces three significant upgrades designed to enhance performance and scalability. More autonomous vehicles will be permitted to operate simultaneously, increasing system load testing and operational complexity.

• Expansion of the operational network from airport-centric routes to community corridors
• Authorization for multiple autonomous vehicles to run concurrently
• Collaborative testing model combining onboard backup operators and centralized control center oversight

Data Collection for Future Deployment

Testing on North Lantau Airport Island will continue under a hybrid supervision model, where onboard backup operators work alongside a remote control center. This structure enables comprehensive data acquisition, supporting system refinement and preparing Apollo Go for higher levels of automation in Hong Kong’s evolving mobility ecosystem.

Through these expanded autonomous driving tests, Apollo Go strengthens its operational maturity while contributing to Hong Kong’s long-term smart mobility ambitions.