Kesennuma Line BRT to Implement Level 4 Autonomous Driving

JR East Group is committed to technological development, aiming to become a "Technology Service Corporate Group" by leveraging cutting-edge technology in products and services, as outlined in its "Courageous Flight 2034" group management vision. Since fiscal year 2018, the company has been conducting demonstration tests of autonomous driving buses. Now, from May 2026, Level 4 autonomous driving will be implemented on the dedicated route of the Kesennuma Line BRT between Yanaizu Station and Mizushirigawa AP. With a maximum speed of approximately 60 km/h and a driving distance of approximately 15.5 km, this will be the fastest and longest Level 4 autonomous driving for buses in Japan. This initiative is scheduled to operate every Friday and Saturday between May 29 and July 4, differing from normal commercial operations. After the conclusion of this operation, the company aims to achieve Level 4 autonomous driving on public roads between Mizushirigawa AP and Shizugawa Station by fiscal year 2028. **1. Development History and Features of Our Autonomous Driving Bus** **(1) History** Since fiscal year 2018, various tests of autonomous driving buses have been conducted on the BRT dedicated route sections. Based on the results of these tests, safety has been confirmed. In fiscal year 2025, various approvals such as "Granting of Driving Environment Conditions (Tohoku District Transport Bureau)" and "Specific Automated Operation Permit (Miyagi Prefectural Public Safety Commission)" were obtained for the Kesennuma Line Yanaizu Station - Mizushirigawa AP* section, making Level 4 autonomous driving possible. JR East is the first company to obtain such approvals for Level 4 autonomous driving in the Tohoku region. *AP: Approach - the boundary between the dedicated route and public roads. **(2) Features** **** * Level 4 autonomous driving means that the system performs all driving operations and emergency stops under specific conditions, eliminating the need for driver monitoring or intervention. * Autonomous driving at a maximum speed of approximately 60 km/h is achieved by accurately recognizing the vehicle's position using magnetic markers (with RFID* every approximately 10m) embedded approximately every 2m in the BRT dedicated route and the vehicle's magnetic sensors. (Fastest in Japan) * The vehicle can stably recognize its position even in tunnels where GNSS location information is difficult to receive. *By using magnetic markers with RFID, the vehicle can instantly recognize its absolute position on the route. * The Kesennuma Line BRT will run approximately 15.5 km one way between Yanaizu Station and Mizushirigawa AP. (Longest in Japan) **** **2. Implementation of Level 4 Autonomous Driving on the Kesennuma Line BRT** This time, autonomous driving with crew on board will be implemented on the Kesennuma Line BRT dedicated route between Yanaizu Station and Mizushirigawa AP. **(1) Operating Section: Kesennuma Line BRT dedicated route between Yanaizu Station and Mizushirigawa AP** * For turning around, manual driving will be performed between Mizushirigawa AP and Shizugawa Station. * Rides will be round-trip, and intermediate stops at Shizugawa Station, etc., are not allowed. **(2) Operation Dates, Times, and Fares** * Operation Dates: * May 29 (Fri), 30 (Sat), 2026 * June 5 (Fri), 6 (Sat), 12 (Fri), 13 (Sat), 19 (Fri), 20 (Sat), 26 (Fri), 27 (Sat), 2026 * July 3 (Fri), 4 (Sat), 2026 * Operation Times: * Yanaizu Station 9:40 AM assembly → (Turnaround at Shizugawa Station) → Yanaizu Station 11:20 AM dismissal * Yanaizu Station 1:00 PM assembly → (Turnaround at Shizugawa Station) → Yanaizu Station 2:40 PM dismissal * To allow many people to experience the advanced nature of the autonomous driving bus, those who wish to ride can do so for free. **(3) Application Method** Those who wish to ride should apply via the link below (Application start date: today, Application deadline: two weeks before each operation date). Please check the details regarding assembly times, etc., on the linked page. : https://forms.office.com/r/8kUpsp57bX **(4) Other** * Operations may be suddenly suspended due to bus conditions or other reasons. * If there are many applications, it may not be possible to ride. **3. About Our BRT** BRT stands for Bus Rapid Transit, a bus-based transportation system that ensures speed and punctuality by operating on dedicated routes. As a mobility supporting regional travel, it has been utilized by many people in the region for 13 years since its operation began. During this time, we have promoted initiatives to enhance the convenience of local residents, such as establishing new stations near public facilities like hospitals and schools that serve as destinations for regional travel, collaborating with local events, and introducing "odeca," a regional integrated IC card. Also, all those who participated in past test rides of autonomous driving buses...