SoftBank's self-driving buses are coming soon to Japan's country roads

If you had to invent the perfect place to roll out self-driving buses, Japan would be it. The country boasts an immaculate and extensive road network. Much of the aging population relies on public transport to get around, especially in the countryside. And that customer base is shrinking, bringing in less fares. As a result, only a third of the country's bus companies are profitable, forcing regional governments to step in to support them.