Japan welcomed its first ride-sharing service in Tokyo on April 8, a system where regular people can provide transportation services using their private vehicles when taxi availability is limited. Unlike the well-known international counterparts such as Uber and Lyft, the Japanese model follows a structure where drivers are employed by taxi companies, which offer guidance on customer transport and operational procedures. This initiative is seen as a supplement to existing taxi services, operating primarily in specified areas and during peak demand times for taxis.
The Tokyo Hire-Taxi Association inaugurated this novel service with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by key figures like Transport Minister Tetsuo Saito and state minister Taro Kono. Minister Saito even experimented with a test-ride to assess the safety and reliability of the vehicles, emphasizing the need for stringent safety measures equivalent to traditional taxis. The government’s decision to lift the ban on ride-sharing services for commercial use in selected areas during restricted hours has paved the way for the upcoming launch in various cities across Japan.