Kawasaki City has taken significant strides toward revolutionizing public transportation by launching its automated driving bus pilot program. Kickstarting on January 27, 2025, the initiative aims for operational level 4 autonomous driving by 2027, addressing growing challenges with driver shortages across Japan.
During the launch event, Kawasaki Mayor Norihiko Fukuda was among the first to experience the autonomous bus, which navigated smoothly between the Kawasaki Life Science and Environmental Research Center and Tenku-bashi Station, covering approximately four kilometers in about 20 minutes. This test route connects Kawasaki with Ota City, near Haneda Airport.
The pilot program was announced at a ceremony attended by various local officials and representatives, including Kanto Transportation Bureau's Fujita Rei and City Council Speaker Aoki Katsuo. These experiments are set to run on two designated routes until February 7, 2025, and Kawasaki City is encouraging citizens to register for trial rides to witness the technology firsthand.
According to Fukuda, "To protect mobility in our region, we must utilize the latest technology." This comment reflects Kawasaki's proactive strategy to counteract the public transport service reductions stemming from the nationwide shortage of qualified drivers. The automated buses are seen as a key component for maintaining transit accessibility.
The autonomous driving system relies on high-precision 3D map data combined with advanced sensor technology. The buses can operate at speeds of up to 35 kilometers per hour, allowing them to provide safe and efficient public transport solutions.
The city acquired the latest electric vehicles with improved battery performance for this initiative, costing nearly ¥99 million. Remarkably, the national government fully subsidized these costs, demonstrating strong backing for advancing self-driving technologies.
Participants also had the chance to experience the "Haneda Link Line," connecting Keikyu Daishi Bridge Station and Keikyu Tenku-bashi Station. Following the automated run, Fukuda commented, "I was amazed by the high level of technology," indicating his excitement over how seamlessly the vehicle handled lane changes and curves without stress.
For another route, from Kawasaki Station East Exit to the city-operated Kawasaki Hospital, the buses will operate under level zero, meaning human drivers will be actively controlling the vehicle to gather necessary operational data during the pilot.
This unique test across prefectural boundaries—between Kanagawa and Tokyo—marks Kawasaki as one of the first regions to explore autonomous driving on such routes. By generating valuable data and gathering insights from the trial rides, Kawasaki City hopes to pave the way for routine automated bus services moving forward.
Local officials believe these pilot efforts are instrumental for showcasing the capabilities of autonomous vehicles, highlighting their potential to address long-term labor shortages and adapt public transportation to modern needs. If successful, this project could serve as a model for replicable autonomous bus services across Japan.