Expo Self-Driving Bus Accident: No Injuries, Cause Under Investigation

OSAKA, Jul 22 (News On Japan) - A self-driving bus operating at the Osaka-Kansai Expo made contact with a curb on July 22nd, prompting a temporary halt to autonomous operations. No injuries were reported.

The incident occurred around noon as a self-driving bus operated by Osaka Metro was traveling from the Expo site to the park-and-ride (P&R) parking area. The bus grazed a curb near an overpass during the journey.

Seven passengers and one driver were onboard at the time. According to Osaka Metro, the bus came too close to the curb on the right side, and the driver attempted to manually steer away but was unable to avoid contact.

In response, Osaka Metro suspended autonomous driving for the fleet and switched to manual operation while investigating the cause of the incident.

This marks the second accident involving the self-driving buses at the Expo. In April, another bus collided with a wall, which led to a suspension of autonomous operations for approximately two months.

Source: KTV NEWS

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