It's no surprise that Japan is a bit ahead of the States in terms of implementing weird, high-tech stuff. Nissan announced today their plans to launch their public trials for a self-driving taxi service in Tokyo, Japan.

These plans aren't for 2019, but far sooner. The service, called Easy Ride, should begin as soon as March 5. It will consist of Nissan Leaf electric cars with a set route between Nissan's headquarters and the Yokohama World Porters shopping center. Nissan plans to extend the range of the service at a later date.

Using a smartphone, users can request a vehicle to take them anywhere between the 2.5-mile preset range. It will have voice activation for multiple languages, as well as local merchant advertising. This will be the first step towards their full autonomous plans: a door-to-destination service available by 2020.

Right behind Nissan is Waymo, the Alphabet-owned business looking to start commercial self-driving taxis in Phoenix, Arizona this year. They are also testing their service in various high-population areas like Atlanta and Detroit.

General Motors sits behind Waymo. Last month they unveiled their self-driving Chevrolet Bolt EV. GM hopes to begin testing in 2019, but their progress is slowed by the legal logistics regarding the absence of a steering wheel from these vehicles.

I'd love to not have to drive anywhere. Perhaps they will offer a monthly subscription rate to access the self-driving taxis. I'd likely prefer that over a pay-per-trip method.