The Tokyo Bureau of Transportation will launch its first autonomous driving demonstration experiment using Toei buses starting June 21 [1].

This trial represents a critical step toward implementing self-driving technology in Tokyo's public transit system. By testing large-scale buses on existing routes, the city aims to verify safety and efficiency before wider deployment.

The experiment will run from June 21 to June 29 [1]. During this period, the autonomous bus will complete four round trips per day [1]. The designated route connects Shin-Kiba Station and the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation in Koto Ward [2].

The trial utilizes Level 2 autonomous driving, which requires a human driver to remain in the vehicle at all times [2]. The bus is equipped with multiple cameras and sensors to measure distances between vehicles, and monitor the surrounding environment while in motion [1].

"As an initiative aimed at the implementation of autonomous driving, we will conduct a demonstration experiment using large buses on a portion of existing bus routes," the Tokyo Bureau of Transportation said [3].

Early observations of the technology indicate a high degree of precision in vehicle handling. A reporter from TBS NEWS DIG, who observed the vehicle, said, "It is driving autonomously, but it is turning curves very smoothly" [1].

The bureau intends to use the data gathered from these sensors to evaluate how the autonomous system handles real-world traffic conditions in a dense urban environment. This data will inform future decisions regarding the transition from driver-assisted systems to higher levels of autonomy.

“The Tokyo Bureau of Transportation will launch its first autonomous driving demonstration experiment using Toei buses.”

This trial marks a transition from small-scale shuttle pods to full-sized public transit vehicles in Tokyo. By focusing on Level 2 autonomy, the city is prioritizing safety and human oversight while gathering the empirical data necessary to address the labor shortages affecting the Japanese transport sector.