Autonomous shuttles start trial operation in Fairview Park

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Residents of Fairview Park in Yuen Long will be able to experience the self-driving buses on a 2.5-kilometer ring road starting later this month.

Two minibuses with autonomous driving systems will begin a seven-month trial operation in the residential area. 15 radar devices and cameras are installed to collect real-time data about the surrounding area.

The AI ​​system analyzes road conditions and enables accurate positioning, while 5G technology monitors the vehicle's condition in real time via smart lampposts.

The autonomous driving system used was developed and tested for two years, including road tests on the mainland to verify the initial safety and reliability of the vehicle. Before the trial run, the system was tested and adjusted for about six to seven months, and the two autonomous buses had to undergo an inspection by the Ministry of Transport.

“During the test, we limit the test speed and test routes and check the qualifications of the backup operator,” the ministry said.

It added that eight autonomous vehicles are currently being tested across the city and that the government passed new laws in March to give the industry more flexibility in conducting tests and using autonomous vehicle technology.