Japanese automaker Honda has partnered with taxi companies aiming to operate autonomous unmanned taxis by 2026. Honda will support the operational system, including vehicles and dispatch applications, as well as remote monitoring safety measures, while existing taxi companies will serve as the operators in a division-of-labor model.
The Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei) reported on the 8th that Honda is collaborating with taxi companies Daito Jidosha Kotsu and Kokusai Jidosha to launch unmanned taxi operations in Tokyo by 2026. Accordingly, Honda will provide the operational system such as vehicles and dispatch apps to the taxi companies and will also take full responsibility for remote monitoring tasks essential for ensuring autonomous driving safety.
Honda will deploy the 'Cruise Origin,' an autonomous driving-dedicated vehicle jointly developed with Cruise, the autonomous driving subsidiary of the American company General Motors (GM), for this project. The plan is to start with a fleet of 500 vehicles to verify business feasibility. Taxi companies will be responsible for vehicle inspections and maintenance, as well as managing business offices.
Nikkei stated, "In the US and China, which are ahead in commercialization, many companies that develop vehicle systems also operate the vehicles themselves in a vertically integrated model," adding, "Honda aims to promote unmanned taxis through a division-of-labor model where it provides a package including systems and safety measures, and existing taxi companies serve as the operators."
Regarding remote monitoring, it is evaluated that taxi companies alone find it difficult to handle due to complex decision-making and high safety requirements. Therefore, by entrusting such operational support entirely to Honda, it is expected to reduce the burden and costs associated with unmanned taxi operations.
However, to achieve this, institutional challenges such as those related to the Road Transport Act must also be resolved. Under current law, remote monitoring must be handled by a 'Specified Automated Driving Security Operator,' and outsourcing tasks involving related decision-making is not permitted. Furthermore, liability issues arise in the event of an accident. In this regard, Honda is currently considering options such as obtaining taxi business permits and revising related laws and regulations, and plans to urge the government to relax regulations.
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