Taipei plans to launch autonomous bus trials in H2 2027

Taipei, June 22 (CNA) Taipei plans to begin trials of autonomous buses on 15 dedicated bus lanes in the second half of 2027 following initial testing in designated enclosed areas, Mayor Chiang Wan‑an (蔣萬安) said Monday.

Speaking to reporters at a Taipei event, Chiang said the city's autonomous bus initiative will be rolled out in three phases.

The first phase, scheduled for later this year, will involve trials of autonomous shuttle services in enclosed areas such as Taipei Zoo, Chiang added.

In the first half of next year, the city will launch an AI-powered autonomous vehicle demonstration zone at Beitou-Shilin Technology Park, initially deploying unmanned cleaning and watering vehicles before introducing passenger shuttle services.

The third phase, set for the second half of next year, will involve pilot operations of autonomous buses on 15 dedicated bus lanes across Taipei following upgrades to road infrastructure, traffic signals and sensor systems, Chiang said.

As Taipei will host the 2029 Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) World Congress, the city aims to become a key demonstration base for autonomous vehicle development, he said.

However, Chiang did not provide details on the suppliers of the autonomous vehicles for the planned trials.

Separately, Chiang said the city is also advancing broader AI initiatives, including a government-developed AI agent dubbed "CiviClaw" and efforts to equip city agencies and civil servants with AI tools to improve administrative efficiency.

When asked whether he plans to run in Taiwan's 2028 presidential election, Chiang said his focus remains on city governance and seeking reelection as Taipei mayor.