On the November 7th, Higashihiroshima City and JR West began demonstration experiments on public roads in the city for automated driving without driver control.
Related organizations such as Higashihiroshima City and JR West have begun demonstration experiments with the aim of introducing BRT (Bus Rapid Transit System) in the city in order to solve problems with public transportation such as a shortage of drivers. In the demonstration experiment, an articulated bus that looks like two buses connected and a large bus were part of a roughly 12-kilometer route connecting JR Saijo Station and Hiroshima University, and were operated by “autonomous driving” without the driver operating the vehicle, checking if it can run safely. Furthermore, in anticipation of mass transportation, we will also conduct “platooning”, where a large bus follows behind an articulated bus.
On the first day of the experiment, the bus was driven manually without using the automatic driving function, with the driver checking the route and having the system installed on the bus learn road information. Starting from the second day, autonomous driving will take place on part of the route, and according to JR and other sources, this will be the first time in Japan that autonomous articulated buses will run on public roads.
Higashihiroshima City Regional Policy Division Manager, Ume Takamasa, “We want to work to make the means of transportation more comfortable for citizens, and to quickly realize a brighter society.”
JR West Innovation Headquarters, Hajime Kondo, “We would like to proceed with the experiment with safety in mind, so that it becomes an example of how public transportation can be used safely and comfortably.”
From around mid-January next year, The company will begin a demonstration run in which citizens will be able to test drive the vehicle, and will proceed with consideration for its introduction.
Origin (Japanese): https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/f102e55219a65590e8143a65a3862ff61d28c2b4