Japanese autonomous driving startup TIER IV has obtained Level 4 certification for its autonomous bus service in Komatsu, Ishikawa Prefecture, marking a key step in the rollout of driverless public transportation in Japan. The certification, issued under the Road Transport Vehicle Act, applies to the full route between Komatsu Station and Komatsu Airport, and a designated section of the return trip.
The bus service, which began commercial operations in March 2024, was developed through a multi-party collaboration involving Komatsu City, BOLDLY, Aisan Technology, and insurer Sompo Japan. The service aims to improve local transportation links, particularly following the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen’s Komatsu Station.
See also: TIER IV and Nihon Kotsu Partner on Autonomous Driving Data Collection Initiative
TIER IV’s minibus operates using its Autoware software, an open-source platform for autonomous vehicles that handles perception, planning, and control. The project also includes risk management assessments from Sompo Japan, 3D mapping by Aisan Technology, and remote monitoring and fleet management from BOLDLY.
The bus system is currently undergoing steps to receive approval under the Road Traffic Act, which would enable it to operate autonomously without a driver on board, within specified environmental and route constraints. According to the Society of Automotive Engineers, Level 4 autonomy allows a vehicle to perform all driving functions in defined conditions without human input.
See also: TIER IV and Nihon Kotsu Partner on Autonomous Driving Data Collection Initiative
TIER IV reported that by February 2025, the bus service had transported more than 18,000 passengers. The company plans to continue conducting research and pilot tests with the goal of expanding autonomous transportation offerings across Japan and internationally.