Japan to Test Driverless Public Buses Starting in FY2027, METI Says

According to Lianhe Zaobao, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) said it plans to begin testing driverless public buses from fiscal 2027 as it pushes to automate public transportation. Japanese media reported the trial will introduce remote monitoring systems on buses, enabling vehicles to handle driving and passenger services automatically, equivalent to Level 4 autonomy, where a vehicle can operate under specific conditions without human intervention. METI said Japan has previously conducted Level 4 tests, but they were mostly limited to small vehicles or still had a driver onboard; broader deployment of driverless buses would require supporting systems such as automatic door operation, destination displays, and passenger service functions. Bus operators, commercial vehicle manufacturers, and remote monitoring system developers can apply to participate in the trial, with applications due by July 29.