Smart Mobility Series (4): Smart Mobility Initiatives under Hong Kong Smart City Blueprint

By Ir Carmen Chu

Smart mobility has been actively promoted in recent years to facilitate commuters’ choice of efficient and integrated multimodal transport in trip planning. The initiatives are to promote non-mechanised transport modes for short trips and maximise the use of public transport. Smart mobility helps to reduce carbon emissions and alleviate traffic congestion in densely populated city and promote the use of greener mode of transport.

In the seminar, Ir Michael Law, the Chief Engineer of Smart Mobility Division of Transport Department, Government of HKSAR, gave a background introduction of the existing Intelligent Transport System in Hong Kong, including Area Traffic Control, Speed Map Panels, mobile apps, etc. He then introduced a list of new features on how they facilitate trip planning, such as the newly launched all-in-one transport mobile app - “HKeMobility”. In this mobile app, real time data and various traffic information could be readily obtained. Optimized walking route including routes for visually or mobility impaired could also be searched.

Ir Law also outlined the short term and long term initiatives in their smart mobility roadmap. Advanced technology like RFID for in-vehicle units would be integrated with existing traffic facilities to bring smart ideas to life. By year 2021, the first Free-Flow Tolling System would be set up at Tseung Kwan O – Lam Tin Tunnel upon its commissioning with the application of in-vehicle units for tunnel toll collection. More intelligent features including intelligent traffic signal systems and video analytics to sense vehicles and pedestrians would be put forward as pilot schemes to alleviate traffic congestion and provide a better walking environment. Ir Law remarked that TD would continue to open up more traffic data via the department’s mobile applications, websites and the government’s information portal ‘data.gov.hk’ to facilitate the public to make informed choices on routes and transport modes, as well as for research and innovative applications.

After the presentation, there were discussions on the floor to exchange ideas on the smart mobility initiatives and their development trend in Hong Kong.  The seminar was very informative and fruitful.  We would like to express our sincere appreciation to Ir Law and the helpers for their contribution to the seminar.

Ir Michael Law (L) receiving souvenir from Ir. Carmen Chu (R)