East Japan Railway Company (JR East) will begin operating an automated bus service between Yanaizu Station and Rikuzento-Yokoyama Station on the Kesennuma Line BRT on December 5, 2012. Two of the regular services between Yanaizu and Kesennuma Stations (departures at 11:47 am and 5:27 pm from Yanaizu and at 11:07 am and 3:57 pm from Rikuzen Yokoyama) will be implemented, and the buses north of Rikuzen Yokoyama will be operated manually. Also, a specially designed bus (Hino Blue Ribbon) will be used.
The system has been tested since FY 2018 to address the shortage of drivers due to the declining birthrate and aging population. The vehicle’s location is read by detecting magnetic markers buried on the road. During the automated operation, the driver will be on board to manage safety, and the vehicle will be operated manually during high winds, dense fog, and snowfall.
The detour of the public road between Yanaizu Station and Rikuzen Yokoyama Station will be extended until December 4 in order to conduct test rides from December 1 to December 4 prior to the automatic operation. The detour is expected to increase the time required.
© Source travel watch
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