Toyota’s IMTS Automated Bus System Operating on Awaji Island
IVsource.net
7 December 2001

Toyota’s groundbreaking IMTS concept for Advanced Public Transport is now in operation in Japan, serving the public and making history.  The Intelligent Multimode Transit System is the world's first introduction of fully automated vehicle operation in full size transit buses. 

Toyota’s groundbreaking IMTS concept for Advanced Public Transport is now in operation in Japan, serving the public and making history.  The Intelligent Multimode Transit System is the world's first introduction of fully automated vehicle operation in full size transit buses.

The buses use radar, magnetic sensing, and buried-wire guidance to stay course in their lane and to maintain safe spacings from each other.  In order to achieve this first introduction of vehicle automation, care has been taken to ensure that the operating environment is fairly benign – the buses operate on their own lane, which is carefully fenced to keep any obstacles out.

The buses serve visitors to the Awaji Farm Park amusement area on Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture.

Toyota’s lead engineer on that project is Toshi Suzuki.  The buses have been running since April in a test mode, and began operating without drivers in October.  The buses circle a 1,200-meter (3/4-mile) loop in the theme park,  with a maximum speed of 30 kph (<20mph).  The entire operation -- including starting, stopping, and maintaining a set distance between the buses -- is observed by only one person in a control room. The controller checks computer monitors that show images from cameras at the stations and sections of the loop.

Yoshikazu Noguchi, general manager of Toyota's ITS planning division, says that the system saves on costs, since it requires fewer personnel to operate.  "IMTS buses can be applied to cities as well as rural areas to improve public transportation systems," Noguchi said. "There are many local governments who are interested in introducing this system."

For the time being, Toyota will be introducing the system to other amusement facilities and at major events, including an international exposition scheduled for 2005, he said.

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