The introduction of a ride-sharing service in Kyoto and Tokyo has sparked the interest of taxi operators, with 90 establishments already registering within a short span of two weeks since its launch. Although foreign tourists constitute the primary customer base at the moment, taxi companies are expanding their driver recruitment efforts in anticipation of broader acceptance of the service among the local population. This move comes in light of ride-sharing companies, unlike conventional taxis, requiring drivers to be hired by established taxi firms, a stipulation introduced due to concerns about safety and opposition from Japan's taxi industry.
Since joining the ride-sharing system at its inception on April 8, MK Co., a local taxi company in Kyoto, has experienced a surge in business, seeing 110 ride-share reservations within a four-hour operating period on April 15 alone. Despite Japan's ride-sharing fares aligning with traditional taxi rates, the service's appeal lies in the absence of requirements such as passengers needing to hold a Class 2 license or vehicles being equipped with roof lights and meters. However, given the newness of the service, domestic users are still navigating their understanding of its advantages and potential risks, as evidenced by instances of passengers mistakenly receiving ride-sharing cars instead of traditional taxis.
Recognizing the swiftly increasing demand for ride-sharing services, companies like MK have adjusted their strategies by transitioning from using management staff to hiring dedicated drivers to meet the needs of a growing customer base. MK's recruitment efforts, initiated on April 18, target individuals with language skills, offering an hourly wage and aiming to bring on board over 30 new drivers. Similarly, Go Inc., the operator of Japan's largest ride-hailing app, Go, has rolled out a service connecting prospective ride-sharing drivers with taxi companies, attracting a high volume of applications, predominantly from experienced male drivers, including former taxi and bus operators.