Background
Hong Kong stands at the convergence of global technological trends and pressing urban challenges. Two technological frontiers are rapidly evolving:
- The Low-Altitude Economy (LAE), encompassing applications like urban air mobility (passenger drones), drone-based logistics, and aerial inspections, is projected to be a multi-trillion-dollar market.
- Autonomous Vehicle (AV) technology is maturing, promising to reshape terrestrial logistics and personal mobility.
MTR's extensive land corridors, station rooftops, and depots represent a pre-existing, strategically located "skeleton" that can be transformed from a single-purpose transport asset into a multi-modal, revenue-generating digital and physical platform. We seek to leverage this unique asset base to position Hong Kong and MTR at the forefront of these global technological trends, advancing MTR’s core purpose: to keep cities moving and connect communities through innovative, sustainable, and integrated transport solutions.
In the longer term, MTR, leveraging on experience and expertise developed, will support the HKSAR Government's Northern Metropolis Initiative on building a vibrant international Innovation and Technology hub from the ground up.
Who is our Target Group / Stakeholders
- Government & Regulators: HKSAR Government (Transport & Logistics Bureau, Innovation & Technology Bureau, Civil Aviation Department), Town Planning Board.
- Technology & Industry Partners: LAE developers (e.g., eVTOL manufacturers), drone logistics companies, telecom providers for 5G/6G connectivity, AV software/hardware firms,
- End-Users & Communities: Residents and businesses, commuters, logistics companies, emergency services.
- Investors & Ecosystem Enablers: Venture capital firms, Hong Kong Science Park, academic institutions
Challenges / Problems to Address
- The MTR's extensive network of routes, stations, depots presents a unique, pre-existing "skeleton" for LAE and autonomous vehicle development. This can be transformed from a simple transport asset into a revenue-generating digital and physical infrastructure platform
- Without a central orchestrator, the development of LAE/ AV ecosystems could be fragmented, leading to incompatible systems and duplicated efforts.
- Hong Kong's dense urban form demands low-carbon, space-efficient alternatives to road vehicles for multipurpose use to meet its environmental goals and improve livability
Objective
The primary objective is to develop a strategic blueprint for MTR to become the foundational enabler of Hong Kong's LAE or AV ecosystems. This will be achieved by:
- Transforming MTR's linear assets into a integrated network
- Establishing MTR as the central platform that fosters a synergistic partnership between public infrastructure, technology firms, and service providers
- Seamlessly integrating LAE/ AV solutions to provide first-last mile connectivity, augment the core MTR network, and create a truly multi-modal transport system, future-proofing our infrastructure
- Championing low-carbon mobility to reduce road congestion and environmental impact, aligning with Hong Kong's broader sustainability goals, while unlocking new, high-value revenue streams for MTR
Desired Benefits of the Proposed Solution
- For MTR Corporation:
- Create new revenue streams
- Evolves from a railway operator to an integrated mobility and infrastructure platform leader
- Reinforces MTR's image as an innovative, sustainable, and essential partner in Hong Kong's future. Secure an early and leading stake to position MTR as a key enabler and standard-setter, fostering a synergistic ecosystem for long-term advancement
- For Hong Kong:
- Positions Hong Kong as a world leader in adopting and regulating next-generation mobility
- Attracts high-tech companies, R&D centers, and investment into the LAE/ AV sectors
- Reduces travel times, enhance livability and connectivity, decongests roads, and provides resilient services
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Expected Outcomes
The proposal needs to cover:
1. Proposed innovations & ideation
- Detail the proposed LAE or AV use cases/ applications
- Specify how innovations will be integrated with MTR assets
- Outline the required technologies
2. Feasibility & justification
- Include research on successful global case studies and their key success factors
- Assess the maturity of required technologies and identify leading technology partners
- Market sizing (Hong Kong, GBA, Chinese Mainland)
- Analyze the current regulatory landscape in Hong Kong and propose a framework for compliance and advancement
- Present a business case, including projected revenue streams, investment requirements, and ROI timeline
3. Limitations & risk mitigations
- Address potential limitations
- Propose specific mitigation measures
4. Implementation roadmap
- Propose a phased timeline with clear milestones and deliverables for each phase
5. Stakeholder engagement & ecosystem development
- Detail a plan for engaging key stakeholders (government departments, regulatory bodies, technology firms, local communities) and a strategy for fostering a local LAE or AV ecosystem through partnerships and incubators
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