Hong Kong airport suspends driverless bus services after collision

Hong Kong’s airport has suspended the operation of its driverless buses to allow authorities to conduct inspections after two of the vehicles collided in a restricted area.

An expert said on Monday that the incident was not only a “wake-up” call for authorities to review the supplier’s technology, but also to step up the use of roadside obstacle detection equipment that could help prevent accidents.

An image circulating online shows the aftermath of the collision on Sunday at a taxiway intersection near the southwest corner of Terminal 1, where a designated give-way line is marked.

The picture appears to indicate that one bus was supposed to stop at the line but drove directly into another shuttle that was travelling on the main taxiway path.

An Airport Authority spokesman told media on Monday that the two driverless vehicles, used to transport staff, had a minor collision within the restricted zone at about 4.20pm on Sunday.

The authority reportedly said neither bus had passengers on board and airport operations were unaffected.

“The Airport Authority is currently investigating the cause of the incident,” the spokesman said. “As an immediate measure, all driverless buses have been temporarily suspended from service for further inspection.”