S.RIDE and Denno Kotsu Collaborate to Enhance Taxi Services in Local Areas

S.RIDE and Denno Kotsu Collaboration

S.RIDE Corporation, headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, has announced its collaboration with Denno Kotsu, a cloud-based dispatch system provider based in Tokushima City, to enhance the efficiency of taxi services in local areas. This collaboration, which will commence on September 4, 2025, aims to streamline operations for taxi operators utilizing Denno Kotsu's dispatch system, DS.

Through this partnership, taxi companies implementing the DS system can enter into individual contracts with S.RIDE without the need for additional dedicated equipment or driver apps. This feature allows these operators to handle dispatch orders from S.RIDE using their existing vehicles, dramatically reducing the burdens of equipment investment and driver training, while also providing efficient access to S.RIDE’s growing user base.

S.RIDE continues to focus on expanding its services primarily in regional core cities experiencing high business and tourism demand from Tokyo. The collaboration with Denno Kotsu will play a significant role in accelerating this local expansion initiative.

As a first step, Sendai Central Taxi Co., located in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, will introduce S.RIDE's services in October 2025 across 112 vehicles, further enhancing service availability in the Sendai area. As the economic and tourism hub of the Tohoku region, this implementation is set to cater to a wider range of needs, encompassing business, tourism, and the daily transportation of local residents.

Comments from Company Leaders

Yohei Hashimoto, President of S.RIDE Corporation, expressed his optimism about the collaboration: "This partnership marks a crucial step in accelerating our efforts to expand our services in regional areas. By combining S.RIDE's knowledge of consumer needs and cutting-edge technology with the expertise of local taxi operators, we aim to enhance the travel experience for everyone. It is reassuring to be able to leverage the platform developed by Denno Kotsu, a leader in regional transportation digitization."

Similarly, Yosuke Kondo, President of Denno Kotsu, shared his enthusiasm: "We are honored to collaborate with S.RIDE, a highly utilized taxi app in Tokyo. This initiative is expected to create new revenue opportunities for taxi companies using our DS platform, while simultaneously promoting the sustainable development of local transportation services. By connecting urban demands with our established regional transport network, we aim to contribute to the growth of Japan's taxi industry."

S.RIDE is committed to innovating high-value-added services centered around cutting-edge AI and IT technology developed by the Sony Group to stand out in the advancing era of autonomous driving. With a purpose of "creating moving experiences that resonate with the heart through innovative mobility services,' S.RIDE is spearheading changes in the mobility service market by delivering new travel experiences and lifestyle propositions.

About S.RIDE

S.RIDE is a taxi app developed using advanced AI and IT technology owned by Sony Group. The areas supported by this app include major prefectures such as Miyagi, Ibaraki, Saitama, Chiba, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Shizuoka, Aichi, Ishikawa, and Osaka.

Key Features:

- Both individual and corporate taxi dispatch services, including immediate calls and reservations (with fixed fares to the airport)
- Smooth online payment options through pre-registered credit cards when dispatching via the app
- Capability for passengers to pay via internet payment using on-board tablet for street hails through the S.RIDE WALLET
- Integration with expense management programs, and electronic receipt issuance via email for user convenience.