A recent survey conducted by Kyodo News revealed that an increasing number of Japanese prefectures are considering the implementation of self-driving buses as a means to address the country’s worsening driver shortage. Out of the 47 prefectures in Japan, 32 are contemplating the use of Level 4 autonomous buses, which are fully automated under certain conditions. This accounts for approximately 68% of all prefectures surveyed.
Moreover, when asked about plans to experiment with or use Level 2 buses, which allow human drivers to receive assistance with braking and acceleration, the number of interested prefectures rose to 36. These developments come after Japan revised its road traffic law last April, making it possible for Level 4 driverless vehicles to operate on public roads.
While preparations are underway for self-driving buses to transport individuals during the 2025 World Exposition in Osaka, only a few prefectures, such as Fukui and Fukuoka, have already made definitive decisions to introduce Level 4 buses for public transportation. However, the majority of prefectures, about 30, are still in the contemplative phase, considering the possibility of utilizing these buses.
The introduction of self-driving buses is primarily motivated by the need to address labor shortages and improve transportation accessibility, particularly in remote mountainous areas. The transport sector has been grappling with driver shortages for some time, and the planned implementation of work hour caps for drivers starting in April is expected to exacerbate the issue.
Despite the growing interest in self-driving buses, safety concerns persist. Many prefectures emphasized the importance of ensuring safety and profitability before implementing such systems. Instances of collisions, even minor ones, have already been reported during trial runs of autonomous buses. Additionally, there are instances where car-mounted cameras misidentify rain and snow as obstacles, causing the vehicles to halt unexpectedly.
Public acceptance poses another significant challenge. In a survey conducted by the MM Research Institute, 40% of the 3,000 respondents expressed safety concerns as a drawback of driverless vehicles. Takashi Hikasa, an expert in autonomous driving, highlights the importance of public understanding and cooperation in successfully introducing self-driving buses. While the potential for reducing accidents caused by human errors is high with self-driving technology, there is also a risk of these vehicles making basic mistakes that humans would not.
As the prospect of self-driving buses becomes increasingly viable in Japan, it remains crucial for authorities to address safety concerns and garner public support to ensure the successful integration of these innovative transportation solutions.
The source of the article is from the blog guambia.com.uy