TOKYO, Nov 6 (NNN-NHK) – 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 Centre Station in Tama City and Hakonegasaki Station in Mizuho Town, in different periods ranging between Nov this year and Feb next year.
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 Centre 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.– NNN-NHK
