#Japan #Fujiyoshida #Fujikyu Group #Autonomous EV Bus

Fujiyoshida City Introduces Autonomous EV Bus Project

Fujiyoshida City in Yamanashi Prefecture is taking a significant step forward in sustainable public transport. The city, governed by Mayor Shigeru Horiuchi, in collaboration with Fujikyu Corporation and Fujikyu Bus Co., Ltd., has announced the initiation of a paid operational testing phase for its level 2 autonomous EV bus service. This project will officially commence on January 5, 2026, and run until February 28, 2026.

Project Overview

The autonomous EV bus service will operate on a circular route primarily utilizing Fuji Michi, a public road in the city, covering approximately 5.2 kilometers. This service is designed to integrate level 2 autonomous technology, where a human operator will remain on board while the system controls parts of the driving. After extensive trials from October 2023 to May 2025, which assessed both the technology involved and social acceptance, this initiative represents the next step towards a fully autonomous service.

Key Details

• - Vehicle Type: TIER Ⅳ Minibus (Base vehicle: BYD J6)
• - Speed: Limited to 35 km/h
• - Capacity: 16 passengers (includes operator)
• - Frequency: 6 services per day
• - Fare: 100 yen for adults, 50 yen for children (free for children under the age of 6)
• - Pickup Locations: 13 designated stops throughout the route
• - Operational Company: Fujikyu Bus Co., Ltd.
• - Official Website: Fujiyama Navi

Route Characteristics

Fuji Michi is strategically located and connects key areas such as shopping districts, public facilities, and tourist attractions. The route enhances accessibility for local residents while also providing a secondary transportation option for visiting tourists, thereby stimulating the local economy.

Reservation System

To ride the autonomous EV bus, passengers must make prior reservations. This can be done through the mobility reservation platform SEKITORI owned by Fujikyu Corporation, with bookings opening on December 23, 2025.

How to Ride

1. Reservation: Use the SEKITORI platform to select your travel date, route, and number of passengers. A credit card or PayPay will be needed for payment at the time of booking.
2. On the Day: Present the QR code received upon reservation to the operator upon boarding.
3. Last Minute Reservations: If there are empty seats available on the day of travel, passengers can board without a reservation.

Future Plans

Fujiyoshida looks forward to integrating advanced level 4 autonomous driving capabilities by securing necessary permissions before implementing this technology in 2026. Continued efforts will be made to enhance safety, comfort, and reliability throughout the process.

Partnership Entities

This initiative involves coordination among various stakeholders, including local government bodies, educational institutions, and industry partners, with the aim of transforming public mobility in the region.

For updates and information, follow the official social media accounts of FUJIYOSHIDA Autonomous EV Bus on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.

Company Backgrounds

• - Fujikyu Corporation:

- Established in 1926, headquartered in Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi.
- Business scope includes leisure, services, and transportation.
- Website

• - Fujikyu Bus Co., Ltd.:

- Founded in 1991, located in Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi.
- Transports passengers for both scheduled routes and charters.
- Website

Through this pioneering project, Fujiyoshida is set to pave the way for future innovations in public transport, ensuring a blend of technology, sustainability, and user convenience.