THE Tokyo metropolitan government has kicked off test runs of a self-driving bus as Japan seeks driverless services and autonomous public transport solutions.

The self-driving bus, capable of cruising at speeds of up to 50km per hour, was introduced yesterday as the tests started, amid efforts to address the persistent shortage of bus drivers in the bustling Japanese capital, said Xinhua.

Operating along a regular loop route that connects the busy Shinjuku Station with two key metropolitan government buildings, the autonomous bus boasts a limited seating capacity of just 18 passengers.

To secure a spot on the self-driving journey, passengers must reserve their seats in advance via an online booking system.

The test runs are scheduled to continue until October 13 with 12 services running from 10am to 4pm on weekdaysn and a reduced schedule on weekends and holidays.

Government officials said they would evaluate the self-driving bus’s performance in navigating areas characterised by relatively heavy traffic while assessing the infrastructure requirements for designated autonomous lanes, according to local media outlets.

Although Japan is taking more ambitious steps toward game-changing transport solutions, analysts noted driverless transit is still a long way off in the country.  – Bernama, October 3, 2023.