HIGHLIGHTS OF INITIATIVES
Real-time Adaptive Traffic Signal System with use of AI
Through the installation of sensors and ancillary equipment at signalised junctions, the real-time adaptive traffic signal system (RTATSS) is able to detect the pedestrian and vehicular flows from different directions and in different time periods, and allocate the green times to vehicles and pedestrians more efficiently, balancing the needs of different road users and reducing congestion and delay. The Transport Department (TD) completed a pilot project at five selected independent signalised junctions, and will progressively roll out the system to about 50 suitable independent signalised junctions across the territory in phases. On the other hand, the TD has rolled out another trial on the RTATSS at eight linked signalised junctions in Tung Chung Town Centre. The system was completed in mid-2024 and is currently operating smoothly. Data shows that after installing the RTATSS at the designated signalised junctions, the average delay for vehicles getting through the junction has decreased by approximately 5% to 10%, thereby enhancing the operational efficiency of the junctions. The TD is arranging further trials on the RTATSS at other busier linked signalised junctions, and at the same time exploring the use of related technologies from other places, including the Mainland, to assist in the formulation of a wider roll-out plan for extending the RTATSS to other suitable signalised junctions. Meanwhile, in the context of development of New Development Areas, TD with the related Government departments is liaising to implement the RTATSS at suitable signalised junctions early and in a more cost-effective manner with early planning.
https://www.td.gov.hk/en/transport_in_hong_kong/its/intelligent_transport_systems_strategy_review_and_/rtatss/index.html
Promoting Autonomous Vehicles
The Government implemented the new regulatory framework for autonomous vehicle (AV) in March 2024, integrating policy support, regulatory backing and financial subsidies to accelerate and promote AV trials and applications across various communities.
Under the new regulatory framework, up to end August 2025, the Transport Department (TD) has issued 3 AV pilot licences involving 42 AVs under the new AV regulatory regime, including the trial project for autonomous private cars in North Lantau, the trial project for autonomous light buses linking the Hong Kong Palace Museum, M+ and West Kowloon Cultural District West Gate, as well as the trial project for autonomous private cars in Cyberport. Among these, the North Lantau trial project has made significant progress since its launch at the end of last year and achieved four notable technical advancements, including the simultaneous operation of multiple vehicles, passenger-carrying trials, expanded routes and increased vehicle speeds.
The Government will press ahead at full momentum to promote and facilitate AV trials and applications across various communities, aiming to accelerate progress toward driverless, large-scale deployment and commercial operations. This will also position Hong Kong as a platform for the industry to explore overseas markets, particularly those with right-hand-drive systems. Driving and road safety will remain our top priority. We will draw on practical experience to refine technical standards, share research findings with the industry in a timely manner, and implement these initiatives prudently and orderly. In respect of cross-district application, three pilot projects will commence within this year, including (i) the Airportcity Link between the Hong Kong Port of Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (“HZMB”) and the Airport; (ii) a project spanning Kowloon City and Kwun Tong districts, encompassing the Kai Tak Development Area; and (iii) a route connecting the Airport Island and Tung Chung, being an extension of the existing project in North Lantau to link up with Tung Chung Town Centre. The Government will also explore the use of AV to connect with other transport modes, for example, enhancing the convenience of air and rail passengers. One such initiative is to link West Kowloon High Speed Rail Station and Airport Express Kowloon Station, for transporting luggages by AV, with a prospect of carrying passengers in the future. Concurrently, we will also endeavour to launch trial projects for “remotely-operated AV” (i.e. AV without in-vehicle backup operators but only remote backup operators) by 2026.
https://www.td.gov.hk/en/public_services/taoav/index.html
HKeToll - Free-Flow Tolling Service
“HKeToll” aimed at utilising technology to enhance the overall efficiency of the transport system in Hong Kong. The HKeToll enables vehicles to pay tolls remotely without having to stop at the toll booths, thereby enhancing the efficiency of toll collection, and providing more effective traffic management as well as safer and smoother commuting experience.
The “HKeToll” is mainly composed of the “HKeToll system” and “Toll Tag”. By using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, with the support of Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology and Lidar, the HKeToll system can read the unpowered Toll Tags affixed on the windscreen of the vehicle and tolls can be deducted from the pre-set toll payment accounts automatically. Additionally, the back-end system running on the Government Cloud is flexible, allowing for the rapid addition of new functions to further enhance service efficiency.
“HKeToll” has been implemented smoothly at all government-tolled tunnels (including Tai Lam Tunnel which was taken over by the Government on 31 May 2025) and the Tsing Sha Control Area. “HKeToll” provides the necessary technical foundation for the implementation of Time Varying Toll at the three road harbour crossings since December 2023, achieving a notable reduction of peak hour traffic queues. The environment benefited from a reduction of carbon dioxide emissions equivalent to planting 500,000 trees each year, actively promoting ESG goals and marking a significant step forward for smart mobility in Hong Kong.
https://www.hketoll.gov.hk/
Enhanced vehicle licence with use of AI
Starting from 30 December 2024, the Transport Department (TD) has enhanced vehicle licence (VL) by replacing the expiry date printed on the VL with a QR code. If the vehicle particulars remain unchanged, vehicle owners can continue to use the same VL after each subsequent renewal, without having to replace the VL displayed on their vehicles. Vehicle owners may scan the QR code to check the expiry date of their VLs online.
The TD has also simplified the requirement on documents necessary for VL renewal application, so that vehicle owners are no longer required to present or submit the Vehicle Registration Document or the Certificate of Roadworthiness when applying for licence renewal. If they apply online and their insurance policy record can be verified via the online system of the Hong Kong Federation of Insurers, they can even skip the procedure of uploading their insurance policy. These measures enable vehicle owners to complete the renewal process more quickly and conveniently, thereby encouraging more of them to submit applications online. Among others, the TD has applied AI technology to assist in processing online vehicle licence renewal applications, thereby progressively reducing the processing time for applications that do not require manual verification of supporting documents from 10 working days to within three working days.
https://www.td.gov.hk/en/public_services/licences_and_permits/evl/index.html
Introduce e-Licensing Portal (e-LP) one-stop service online platform
Launched in December 2024, the e-Licensing Portal provides one-stop services for licence applications and enquiries. It clearly displays information of licences held by registered users, expiry date as well as progress and results of applications with a dashboard. After registration as a user via "iAM Smart", members of the public can make enquiry at any time on their (1) driving licence, driving entitlements and licence expiry date; (2) driving-offence points; and (3) vehicles registered under their name and expiry date of relevant licences. They can also submit online licensing applications and choose to receive email reminders for driving licence and vehicle licence renewals via the platform.
Additional functions of the e-LP were launched on 10 July 2025 to provide greater convenience to members of the public. Users may now make online booking for driving tests and check the appointment records and results, enquire the taxi-driver-offence points records and the information on permits held by them as well as track progress and results of their online licensing applications.
https://www.td.gov.hk/en/electronic_services/index.html#ELP
CURRENT STATUS
Over 11.5 million (2023 figure) passenger journeys on public transport every day with railway being the backbone
Roads are dense with 364 licensed vehicles for every kilometre of road on average
Over 95% of Hong Kong people using Octopus cards to travel, shop and dine without the hassle of cash
Smart Airport
- Smart check-in kiosk
- Self-bag drop
- E-Security Gates
- Indoor wayfinding
- MyTAG
