- A government panel will begin to determine problems that are fixed to push forward with the commercialization of driverless taxis.
- Kishida advised officials to step up their efforts in developing regulations for self-driving cars.
- Kishida also urged authorities to research potential solutions for issues.
Officials announced on Wednesday that a government panel will begin deliberations next month to determine what problems need to be fixed to push forward with the commercialization of driverless taxis and other unmanned self-driving transportation services.
At a meeting to discuss fiscal and administrative reform regarding digital technology, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida advised officials to step up their efforts in developing regulations for self-driving cars and launching new transportation services.
Driverless Vehicles
Kishida also urged authorities to research potential solutions for issues about the planned ride-sharing services, such as deregulating the taxi sector.
The panel will convene as early as May of the following year to discuss the extent of liability that automakers and taxi companies would have under administrative and civil laws and regulations if driverless transportation services are involved in a traffic accident.
Lawyers, representatives from insurance companies and automakers, and representatives from government agencies such as the Transport Ministry and the Digital Agency will be joining the panel.
In places with dwindling populations, autonomous taxi services are anticipated to become popular as a new form of transportation.
In May, Eiheiji, Fukui Prefecture, saw the launch of Japan’s first commercial service utilizing so-called Level 4 autonomy. When a parked bicycle’s pedal was struck last month, the town saw its first automobile accident involving Level 4 driving.
