Tokyo to trial self-driving buses amid driver shortage

TOKYO, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) — The Tokyo Metropolitan Government will begin testing self-driving buses in three areas of the city as a response to the ongoing shortage of bus drivers.
The trials will take place at Ogikubo Station in Suginami Ward, Tama Center Station in Tama City and Hakonegasaki Station in Mizuho Town in different periods ranging between November 2024 and February 2025.
Each location will use electric vehicles (EVs) specifically tailored to its needs. Ogikubo will see a small, low-speed EV with a seating capacity of seven, while Tama Center and Hakonegasaki stations will utilize compact electric buses, each seating 13.
The pilot will still require operators to manually control steering and braking when necessary.
To gauge public reaction and gather insights for future improvements, the government will conduct passenger surveys during the trial. ■