Munakata City has launched an autonomous bus trial to tackle the region’s growing driver shortage, driven by an aging workforce and stricter labor regulations in 2024. The bus runs a two-kilometer route between Jiyugaoka Community Center and JR Akama Station, carrying up to 13 passengers. Operating at Level 2 autonomy, the bus is equipped with 13 cameras and 14 sensors, with a maximum speed of 35 km/h. A driver remains onboard for safety. The trial, offering free rides to local residents, runs until February 18 with five round trips daily. Munakata City aims to implement the system by fiscal year 2027 after evaluating the trial results. Source: NHK
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