(Update) Confirmation of the implementation schedule for the "Verification of Communication Systems Contributing to Safe and Efficient Level 4 autonomous driving" in Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture

NTT West Corporation Kochi Branch (Branch Manager: Aoki Shunsuke, hereinafter referred to as NTT West Kochi Branch), NTT Business Solutions Corporation (Representative Director and President: Kinoue Hidenori, hereinafter referred to as NTT BS), Macnica (Representative Director and President: Kazumasa Hara, hereinafter referred to as Macnica) have formed a consortium as demonstration organizations and have been selected for the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' "Regional Digital Transformation Promotion Package Project (autonomous driving Level 4 Verification Type)" (managed by Mitsubishi Research Institute, Inc.), and have announced that they will conduct an autonomous driving demonstration ^*1 on July 29, 2025. The implementation date has now been officially decided, and we are pleased to announce it as follows.
*1: Press release dated July 29, 2025 https://www.nttbizsol.jp/newsrelease/202507291600001209.html

・Demonstration period: [Preparatory operation] November 7th (Friday) to December 11th (Thursday), 2025
[General operation] December 13, 2025 (Sat) - December 26, 2025 (Fri)
　
・Vehicle used: Navya Mobility EVO
Tier IV Minibus

Navya Mobility EVO
Test drive capacity: 9 people

Tier IV Minibus
Test drive capacity: 12 people

[Operating route]
JR Kochi Station → AEON Mall Kochi → Kochi Red Cross Hospital → JR Kochi Station [One way: approx. 1.1 km]

* autonomous driving vehicles may travel on routes other than those listed above due to preparation and transportation requirements.

[How to apply for regular service]
Reservations will be accepted from 10:00 on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 via the dedicated app "Bus Come" (first come, first served).

[Download QR code]

・You can download the dedicated app before boarding applications begin.
・Ride is free.

■Other points to note
・Please fill out a simple survey when you board the bus.
・During the demonstration operation, the autonomous driving bus may travel at a slow speed or make sudden stops. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

There are no changes to the demonstration outline, the roles of each party, etc. from what was announced on July 29, 2025.

To mark the start of this demonstration, a driving ceremony will be held for stakeholders and members of the press as follows.
■ Driving Ceremony Event Details Date and time: Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 9:00 AM
• Venue: Kochi Station (details will be announced separately)
• Contents: Demonstration run of autonomous driving vehicles, greetings from stakeholders, etc.
*We plan to provide separate information regarding the driving ceremony to members of the press.