The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has started test runs of a self-driving bus that carries passengers and travels as fast as 50 kilometers per hour.

The tests that began on Monday are part of the Japanese capital's efforts to address shortages of bus drivers.

The bus operates on a regular loop route that connects Shinjuku Station with the metropolitan government's two buildings.

Only 18 seats are available to ensure passenger safety, and those who want to ride need to book a seat online.

Passengers on the first service were seen taking videos of a monitor that showed the steering wheel moving autonomously.

The test runs will continue until October 13. Twelve services are scheduled between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays, with fewer services on the weekend and holiday in that period.

Tokyo officials plan to see whether the self-driving bus can operate smoothly in areas with relatively heavy traffic, and measure the space needed for special lanes.

One passenger said it was a futuristic experience to see the steering wheel move by itself.

She said self-driving buses would help ease workforce shortages, so she hopes they will be introduced across Japan.