Kanematsu has been selected as the contracted operator for Toyooka, Hyogo Prefecture's autonomous bus demonstration project and plans to begin demonstration operations using autonomous vehicles manufactured by A2Z in the Kinosaki Onsen area. The demonstration is targeted to begin in November, and an outline has been provided at this stage.
Kanematsu has been selected as the contracted operator for Toyooka, Hyogo Prefecture's autonomous bus demonstration project and will conduct demonstration operations in the Kinosaki Onsen area using autonomous vehicles manufactured by Autonomous a2z Corporation (A2Z). The demonstration aims to maintain local public transportation and accumulate knowledge for the implementation of autonomous driving technology in society.
The demonstration will use A2Z's ROii autonomous vehicle, an electric vehicle measuring 490 cm in length, 209 cm in width and 266 cm in height, with a vehicle weight of 2,890 kg and an approximate range of 260 km on a full charge. The service is based on autonomous driving Level 4, but will operate at Level 2 during the demonstration with an operator on board. The operating period is scheduled to cover weekdays from 9 November to 4 December 2026, and the launch ceremony is scheduled for 6 November.
There will be 3 services per day, with departures at 11:10, 12:10 and 13:10. Several stops in the Kinosaki Onsen area are under discussion with the relevant authorities. The fare is free. The schedule, route and stops may change depending on consultations with the relevant authorities and the status of regulatory approvals.
Going forward, the parties will consider full-scale Level 4 autonomous operation in the Kinosaki Onsen area based on driving data and the results of passenger surveys, while also considering expansion to other regions facing similar challenges.