Sompo Japan Insurance, Kanematsu and A2Z have begun collaborating on participation in the autonomous bus demonstration operation project in Toyooka, Hyogo Prefecture. Through demonstration operations in the Kinosaki Onsen area, they will verify safety and comprehensive solutions.
Sompo Japan Insurance, Kanematsu and South Korean autonomous driving technology company Autonomous a2z Corporation (A2Z) have begun comprehensive collaboration to achieve sustainable local public transportation in Japan and promote the implementation of autonomous mobility services in society.
As part of the initiative, Kanematsu was selected as the contracted operator, and Sompo Japan Insurance and A2Z plan to participate in Toyooka City's Autonomous Bus Demonstration Operation Project.
The demonstration operations will take place in the Kinosaki Onsen area, where the companies will jointly verify a safe and secure operating system and comprehensive solutions.
Against a backdrop of driver shortages caused by population decline and the declining birthrate and aging population, local route bus services are being reduced or discontinued, making it urgent to maintain and improve local public transportation.