Kwoon Chung Bus Holdings Limited (KCBH) has announced that its subsidiary, KC Smart Mobility, in collaboration with Prime Motors Limited, has secured a service contract with the Hong Kong Airport Authority. This partnership will establish the largest autonomous electric bus transportation system in Hong Kong, connecting the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge’s (HZMB) Hong Kong Port with the 11 SKIES retail, dining, and entertainment complex in SKYCITY.
Set to be operational by the end of next year, this project marks a significant milestone in Hong Kong’s public transportation. The “Airportcity Link” autonomous transportation system will span approximately 850 meters, featuring pedestrian bridges and flyovers. The autonomous electric buses will accommodate up to 16 passengers and one wheelchair user, significantly reducing travel time between the Hong Kong Port artificial island and SKYCITY to just 2-3 minutes.
Expected to carry around 500 passengers per hour per direction, the system will leverage “Level 4” driving automation and operate on a dedicated 5G network provided by the Airport Authority for secure communication. With the full resumption of normal travel, passenger traffic via the HZMB has been steadily increasing. The introduction of autonomous transportation will enhance the airport island’s overall transportation network, facilitating the growing flow of travelers and providing convenient options for both residents and tourists. This initiative aligns with the upcoming Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles Policy, aiming to improve mobility within the Greater Bay Area.
Timothy Wong, Chief Operating Officer of KCBH, expressed his enthusiasm: “We are delighted to provide autonomous transportation services for the ‘Airport city Link’ at Hong Kong International Airport. This project offers convenient public transportation for the Greater Bay Area and pioneers future mobility for residents. The widespread use of electric vehicles marks a significant step towards environmental conservation and sustainability.”
Kwoon Chung Bus Holdings Limited (KCBH) has been at the forefront of autonomous electric vehicle development. In addition to the Airportcity Link, Kwoon Chung Bus Holdings Limited (KCBH) will launch the “5G Autonomous Shuttle Bus Service in Residential Estate” at Fairview Park in the second quarter of this year. Two AI-equipped buses will operate alongside existing shuttle services within the estate. Additionally, Kwoon Chung Bus Holdings Limited (KCBH) has secured a contract for autonomous electric shuttle minibuses in the West Kowloon Cultural District, with two 19-seat minibuses expected to be operational by the fourth quarter of 2025.
Wong emphasized Kwoon Chung Bus Holdings Limited (KCBH) ongoing commitment: “Investment in autonomous driving is just the beginning. We will continue exploring various scenarios and automation possibilities at the Hong Kong airport and expand application scenarios across Hong Kong. Our goal is to become a key operator of autonomous driving technology projects, injecting new vitality into the city’s transportation development.”
The Hong Kong government’s promotion of smart city initiatives and smart mobility, combined with the maturing technology of autonomous electric vehicles, positions Hong Kong to incorporate more autonomous transportation systems into large-scale infrastructure and private development projects. Wong is optimistic about the prospects, envisioning widespread adoption of autonomous transport systems in future projects.
