A city in central Japan has started trials of an on-demand bus service that takes advantage of artificial intelligence.
Matsumoto City in Nagano Prefecture operates the 8-seater bus. It has no preset timetables or fixed itinerary. Instead, it runs on optimal routes based on AI analysis of such factors as passengers' destinations and road traffic congestion.
The city is considering introducing the system as part of its efforts to improve transportation conditions in areas where regular bus services are not available. It started trial runs in two suburban districts on Monday.
Residents in Azusagawa district boarded the bus at 9 a.m. to depart for their destinations.
Officials say more than 350 pick-up and drop-off points are set up in the two districts, and passengers can book a ride through a smartphone app and other means. The bus service is available between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
A representative of Azusagawa district expressed hope for improved convenience, noting regular bus services are not available in mountainous areas.
An official of Matsumoto City's public transportation division, Yanagisawa Hitoshi, said he hopes the system will be used by a large number of people as more convenient transportation will further the region's development.
The city plans to conduct the trials on weekdays until March next year. It will decide whether to officially launch the service after taking into consideration factors including the number of passengers and the results of a questionnaire.
In Nagano Prefecture, on-demand bus services are already available in the cities of Shiojiri and Azumino.
Matsumoto City in Nagano Prefecture operates the 8-seater bus. It has no preset timetables or fixed itinerary. Instead, it runs on optimal routes based on AI analysis of such factors as passengers' destinations and road traffic congestion.
The city is considering introducing the system as part of its efforts to improve transportation conditions in areas where regular bus services are not available. It started trial runs in two suburban districts on Monday.
Residents in Azusagawa district boarded the bus at 9 a.m. to depart for their destinations.
Officials say more than 350 pick-up and drop-off points are set up in the two districts, and passengers can book a ride through a smartphone app and other means. The bus service is available between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
A representative of Azusagawa district expressed hope for improved convenience, noting regular bus services are not available in mountainous areas.
An official of Matsumoto City's public transportation division, Yanagisawa Hitoshi, said he hopes the system will be used by a large number of people as more convenient transportation will further the region's development.
The city plans to conduct the trials on weekdays until March next year. It will decide whether to officially launch the service after taking into consideration factors including the number of passengers and the results of a questionnaire.
In Nagano Prefecture, on-demand bus services are already available in the cities of Shiojiri and Azumino.
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Summary
Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, has launched trials for an on-demand AI bus service with no fixed timetable or itinerary. The bus runs based on AI analysis of passenger destinations and road traffic congestion. The system is part of efforts to improve transportation in underserved areas. Trials
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ID: 6363dbd7-949c-44a3-8a4b-cbea11dca453
Category ID: nhk
URL: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231002_24/
Date: Oct. 2, 2023
Created: 2023/10/03 07:23
Updated: 2025/12/08 23:00
Last Read: 2023/10/03 07:30