Japan to test driverless buses for public transit from fiscal year 2027

Japan is gearing up to introduce driverless public buses into its transit system, with trials scheduled to begin in fiscal year 2027. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry announced the plan, which aims to implement Level 4 autonomous driving technology.

This advanced system will feature a remote monitoring setup to manage both the driving operations and passenger assistance. Level 4 automation means that vehicles can operate without human intervention under specific conditions, a significant step towards fully autonomous public transportation.

Bus operators, commercial vehicle manufacturers, and developers of remote monitoring systems are being invited to apply for the trial program. The application period is open until July 29. This initiative seeks to develop new systems for both driving and passenger services, including automated door operations and destination displays.

While Japan has conducted Level 4 autonomous driving tests before, these were primarily on smaller vehicles or required a safety driver to be present. This upcoming trial marks a more comprehensive approach to integrating driverless technology into public bus services.