Baidu's RoboRun to Launch Driverless Taxi Service in Hong Kong
TapTechNews October 10th news, according to the Securities Times · e Company report, recently, some media reported that Baidu's RoboRun plans to launch a driverless taxi service in Hong Kong. In response to this, the Hong Kong Transport and Logistics Bureau has responded.
The Hong Kong Transport and Logistics Bureau disclosed that Hong Kong's new regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles has been implemented since March this year. Under the premise of ensuring road safety, the new regulatory framework provides the industry with more flexibility to test and apply autonomous vehicles in more complex road conditions. Hong Kong also funds several autonomous vehicle and connected vehicle projects through the Smart Transport Fund.
As of September this year, the Smart Transport Fund has funded 11 projects related to autonomous vehicles and connected vehicle technologies. Several large autonomous vehicle projects are currently being promoted in Hong Kong, and the test sections cover public roads and different application scenarios, such as the West Kowloon Cultural District, Hong Kong Science Park, and individual private housing estates. The government warmly welcomes the industry to introduce more autonomous vehicle test and application projects in Hong Kong, and the Transport Department is in close contact and follow-up with the institutions that have submitted relevant applications to assist the industry in applying for relevant licenses, with the goal of promoting the implementation of projects to facilitate the development of autonomous vehicles in Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong Transport Department expects to announce in batches before the end of this year the autonomous vehicle projects that have successfully obtained licenses, so that the public can know.
TapTechNews noted that on October 9th, some media learned from informed sources that RoboRun will plan to launch a driverless taxi service in Hong Kong, which will also be the first business landing outside the mainland market.