To local governments tackling issues of elderly people and public transportation ~ A future paved by autonomous driving buses ~

In regional cities where the population is aging and declining, maintaining public transportation is a major issue due to a shortage of drivers and a decrease in users. As a result, there is an increase in traffic accidents caused by elderly people and an exodus of residents to cities with more convenient transportation. autonomous driving buses, which realize sustainable public transportation, are attracting attention as a solution to these issues. In this article, we will introduce a new approach to regional transportation using autonomous driving buses and their social potential.

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What is autonomous driving bus?

An autonomous driving bus is a bus that is driven by a system rather than a human. Vehicle sizes vary, from large buses to small cart-type vehicles. Equipped with cameras, sensors, and GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System), the bus detects the surroundings, recognizes road conditions and obstacles, and determines a safe driving route. In addition, AI and the system automatically control the accelerator and brakes, allowing the bus to drive safely even without a driver.

Three challenges faced by autonomous driving buses

New initiatives are essential to maintain the means of transportation for residents and support their lives. autonomous driving buses are a promising solution for towns where securing transportation may be difficult. In particular, they are said to provide an effective solution to three issues: an aging population, maintaining public transportation, and a declining population.

Source: 1st Study Group on Utilization of autonomous driving Technology in Urban Transportation in FY2023 (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Urban Affairs Bureau, November 14, 2023)

1. Comprehensive support for mobility for the elderly

In regional cities, securing transportation for the elderly is an issue. Many elderly people drive on a daily basis, and traffic accidents are becoming a serious problem. Furthermore, due to a decline in passenger numbers and a shortage of drivers, route bus services are being reduced or discontinued, raising concerns about social isolation and a decline in the quality of life of the elderly.

In January 2025, Chiba University, a national university corporation, published "Japan's first long-term follow-up study on the relationship between access to public transportation and depression across multiple municipalities."* According to this study, "among elderly people who do not use cars, those who answered "there is no train station or bus stop within walking distance" were 1.6 times more likely to become depressed three years later than those who answered "there is no train station or bus stop within walking distance." In other words, maintaining and improving access to public transportation is thought to be effective in preventing depression in the elderly.

Introducing autonomous driving buses will enable stable operation without being affected by labor shortages. By working together with local governments and companies to select routes that connect areas with large elderly populations with commercial facilities and medical facilities and appropriately sized vehicles, it is expected that the frequency of bus use will increase. In addition, covering discontinued routes will increase transportation options, which will prevent accidents and promote social participation of the elderly while maintaining the profitability of local governments.

*Quote: Elderly people who do not use cars are 1.6 times more likely to become depressed three years later if there is no station or bus stop within walking distance (Chiba University, National University Corporation)

2. Resolving labor shortages in public transportation

In recent years, the shortage of drivers for public transportation has become more serious, and drivers are aging and securing young talent has become an issue. In this situation, autonomous driving buses are attracting attention as a "solution for sustainable public transportation" in regional cities. This is because automating driving makes it possible to maintain stable operation without being affected by the driver shortage. In addition, autonomous driving buses can be centrally managed by the system even if the number of vehicles introduced increases, which makes operation more efficient and contributes to the maintenance of public transportation.

Furthermore, the introduction of autonomous driving buses will also reduce the burden on drivers and reduce traffic accidents. Driving in the early morning and late at night is particularly stressful for drivers, and there are concerns about the risk of accidents due to fatigue. Switching operations during these times to autonomous driving buses is expected to improve the working environment for drivers and realize safe and sustainable public transportation.

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3. Making autonomous driving buses the "symbol of the town" will help curb population decline

autonomous driving buses have benefits not only for seniors but for other generations as well.
As residents become more aware that "we are working on town development by introducing futuristic vehicles" and "we are trying to revitalize the town with familiar vehicles," autonomous driving bus will gradually become a "symbol of the town." Furthermore, by using it at local events, it is expected that awareness of the town will increase and the number of people moving in will increase.

As a result, it could help curb population decline. By utilizing autonomous driving buses, it will be possible to maintain public transportation and revitalize local areas at the same time.

Summary: Let's use autonomous driving buses to build a sustainable city

The introduction of autonomous driving buses will not only help maintain public transportation and support mobility for the elderly, but will also lead to revitalization of local communities. It is expected that self-driving buses will help alleviate the driver shortage, reduce traffic accidents, and even combat population decline by encouraging relocation, contributing to the realization of sustainable local communities.

It is important for local governments and businesses to work together, listen to the voices of local residents, and adopt this new form of transportation. Let's pave the way for the future of regional cities by developing towns that make use of autonomous driving buses.

Inquiry

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