Yokosuka Autonomous Bus Demo Targets Level 4 by 2027

YOKOSUKA, Japan- An autonomous bus demonstration project began Dec. 1 on a route in Yokosuka, Yokosuka City, Keikyu Bus and SoftBank said Tuesday.

One bus operates on a 3-kilometer route between YRP Nobi Station and Yokosuka Research Park through Feb. 1, 2026.

The vehicle operates at Level 2 autonomy, which involves partial automation of acceleration, braking, and steering.

The consortium’s target is Level 4 autonomous operation by fiscal 2027, in which a system performs all driving tasks under specific conditions.

The group aims to deploy platoon driving technology — multiple autonomous vehicles traveling in formation — with two vehicles by fiscal 2028.

The three entities formed a consortium that received funding from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism's subsidy program for autonomous driving implementation. The vehicle is a modified Isuzu Erga provided by Keikyu Bus.

The demonstration is intended to identify challenges in Level 4 operation and platoon driving implementation.

The project addresses bus driver shortages and difficulties maintaining public transportation networks, according to the statement.

Keikyu Bus operates across most of Yokosuka City. The statement said Keikyu Bus faces difficulties maintaining stable operations.

Yokosuka Research Park is on the route. The park was described as an information and communications technology research facility. The statement said the area has high commuting demand.

The project draws on knowledge from a bus rapid transit project involving autonomous driving and platoon technology conducted by SoftBank with JR West.

Public test rides are scheduled Jan. 21 through Feb. 1, 2026. Jan. 26 and Jan. 27 are excluded. 

Four departures are scheduled daily from YRP Nobi Station at 9:50 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 2:05 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. Capacity is 20 passengers per trip. 

Reservations opened Dec. 16 at 11:00 a.m. through a LINE official account.