# Nishinomiya autonomous EV bus trials > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nishinomiya-autonomous-ev-bus-trials > Updated: 2026-08-31T07:35:40.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2. Nishinomiya City and Hanshin Electric Railway have initiated a demonstration experiment involving autonomous electric vehicle (EV) buses in the Koshien area. Supported by a subsidy from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the project aims to mitigate bus driver shortages. Starting August 31, 2026, the approximately 100-day trial utilizes Level 2 autonomous driving technology, which partially automates acceleration, braking, and steering. The buses operate on two routes—a West Route toward Hamakoshien and an East Route toward the UR Hamakoshien housing complex—both originating and terminating at Koshien Station. The project integrates AI technology to improve perception and decision-making for smoother driving. While the trial is scheduled to run until January 30, 2027, with general passenger boarding expected to begin in mid-November, the initiative serves as a precursor to seeking Level 4 autonomous driving certification, targeted for fiscal year 2027. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-31: Nishinomiya City to test autonomous EV buses in Koshien Nishinomiya City and Hanshin Electric Railway will conduct a Level 2 autonomous EV bus demonstration in the Koshien area starting August 31, 2026. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nishinomiya-city-to-test-autonomous-ev-buses-in-koshien ### 2026-08-24: Nishinomiya and Hanshin Electric Railway launch autonomous EV bus trials Nishinomiya City and Hanshin Electric Railway are testing AI-powered autonomous EV buses in Koshien to combat driver shortages and work toward Level 4 autonomous certification by 2027. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nishinomiya-and-hanshin-electric-railway-launch-autonomous-ev-bus-trials --- Cite as: Nishinomiya autonomous EV bus trials. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nishinomiya-autonomous-ev-bus-trials