Transport Department leverages AI to boost efficiency

The waiting time for traffic lights may soon become shorter, as the Transport Department launches projects implementing artificial intelligence to enhance efficiency.

These AI projects may also benefit car users, who may need only one day to have their applications approved in the future.

The Transport Department announces the use of AI in different sectors, including Easy License Application Approval and Smart Traffic Signals.

The Easy License Application Approval uses Large Language Model to automatically recognise, cross-check and verify application documents.

The system will launch by the end of 2026, and will be applicable for automatic approval of online vehicle license renewal and applications under the two cross-boundary driving schemes: Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles and Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles.

With AI, the waiting time of application approval could be cut short to one working day. If worked on by humans, up to 10 working days were needed.

Separately, from the first quarter of 2027, Smart Traffic Signals will be placed at the junction of Gloucester Road and Great George Street near Victoria Park in Causeway Bay.

Here, AI would determine the amount of car flow and pedestrains waiting for traffic light to change color. When they sense that there's no car flow, they would automatically change to green light for pedestrians to cross.

Chief Engineer/Traffic Control, Transport Department GORDON KWOK: "The subject junction is at the main pedestrian route between Victoria Park and Causeway Bay area. Due to its specific location, the (amount of) vehicles and pedestrians are particularly high and variant."

The implementation of the Real-time Adaptive Traffic Signal System is expected to reduce the waiting time for green light by 15-20 seconds.