Japan to Begin Driverless Public Bus Trials in Fiscal 2027 -

Japan will begin testing fully autonomous buses for public transportation from fiscal year 2027 as part of efforts to address labour shortages and modernise the country’s public transport system, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) announced.

The trial will feature driverless buses equipped with remote monitoring systems capable of handling both vehicle operations and passenger assistance.

The vehicles will operate under Level 4 autonomous driving, which allows them to drive without human intervention under specific operating conditions.

The ministry has invited bus operators, commercial vehicle manufacturers and remote monitoring system developers to participate in the project, with applications open until July 29.

Although Japan has already conducted Level 4 autonomous driving trials, they have been limited to small vehicles or buses with safety drivers on board.

The new initiative marks the country’s first large-scale effort to introduce fully driverless buses into public transport services.

To support the rollout, developers will create new automated systems not only for driving but also for passenger services, including opening and closing doors, displaying route and destination information, and enabling remote assistance when required.

The project is part of Japan’s broader strategy to accelerate the adoption of autonomous transport technologies as the country faces a shrinking workforce and an ageing population, particularly in rural areas where bus driver shortages have become increasingly severe.

If successful, the trials could pave the way for the wider deployment of driverless buses across Japan, improving mobility, enhancing transport efficiency and ensuring reliable public transit services in underserved communities.-ERMD/TS

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