The Hong Kong Applied Science & Technology Research Institute (Astri) and Citybus have started a cellular V2X (C-V2X) pilot in the Kai Tak Development Area.

This initiative, led by Astri, is said to mark the first time a C-V2X system has been connected to a franchised bus network to provide bus drivers with real-time driving tips, enhancing driving safety and traffic efficiency. This lays a foundation for future autonomous bus pilot schemes.

As the major bus operator in the Kai Tak Development Area, Citybus operates multiple franchised routes traversing the former runway area. For the first time, Astri has installed C-V2X equipment on double-deck buses and integrated it with Citybus’ onboard systems. This enables the buses to communicate in real time with smart roadside units (RSUs) installed along Shing Fung Road and Muk On Street in Kai Tak, receiving instant information on road conditions and traffic signal status.

With the enhanced Smart CityDrive system, bus drivers will receive real-time driving tips and recommendations through the bus cabin tablet. Following technical and road testing, the C-V2X system is now being applied in a passenger-carrying franchised bus operational environment as a pilot scheme. Upon project completion, Astri will use the findings to conduct further research exploring ways to enhance driving safety and efficiency.

“Astri has been dedicated to the research, development and implementation of C-V2X technologies, aiming to address urban traffic challenges through innovation,” said Ted Suen, CEO of Astri. “We are delighted to launch this pilot scheme with Citybus, applying cutting-edge communication technology to double-deck buses. This not only demonstrates how smart mobility can tangibly enhance road safety but also represents a significant step in Hong Kong’s journey towards becoming a smart city. We look forward to applying innovative technologies to more public transport vehicles in the future to further enhance traffic efficiency and safety.”

Roger Ma, operations director of Citybus, added: “Citybus has been actively introducing innovative technologies to enhance operational efficiency and driving safety, and is committed to providing efficient and reliable bus services for all passengers in Hong Kong. This collaboration with Astri involves hardware and software upgrades to the Smart CityDrive safe driving system on selected buses. By utilising C-V2X technologies, it empowers the system with more accurate road condition prediction capabilities, allowing bus captains to focus more on driving. This is a crucial step towards smart mobility.”

Four Citybus double-deck buses equipped with Astri’s C-V2X system are providing passenger services on routes 22, 22D, 22M and 22X in the Kai Tak Development Area. Benefiting from the low latency and high reliability of the C-V2X system (5.9GHz dedicated spectrum band), bus drivers can receive comprehensive visual, text and voice safety alerts through the safe driving system, enabling them to grasp real-time traffic conditions, roadworks information and junction driving recommendations.

When a C-V2X-equipped bus approaches designated sections of Shing Fung Road and Muk On Street in Kai Tak, the system issues driving recommendations based on the real-time traffic signal status, reminding the bus driver to maintain speed or decelerate early under safe conditions.

The C-V2X system integrates real-time traffic information from the local government, enabling it to address road conditions beyond the line of sight. When there are roadworks or traffic incidents ahead, drivers will have more time to respond to unexpected situations.

Astri and Citybus will continuously analyse the system’s operational performance and collect feedback from bus drivers to optimise various functions. Both parties believe the application of C-V2X technology in smart mobility is a significant development and will drive the advancement of autonomous bus projects in the future.

Founded in 2000, Astri (www.astri.org) is Hong Kong’s largest government-funded R&D centre.

Established in 1979, Citybus (www.citybus.com.hk) has grown to operate more than 1700 buses across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories and employs over 5000 staff to serve over 1.1 million customers daily.