#Japan #KASAMA #Rideshare #Will Smart #Kasama City

Introduction

In a move to address the challenges of local transportation in Japan, Kasama City is set to launch a groundbreaking public rideshare initiative, starting from December 17, 2025. This program is a collaborative effort between Will Smart Co., a technology company based in Koto City, Tokyo, and Joyo Bank, as well as the local government of Kasama City in Ibaraki Prefecture. The objective is clear: to provide a sustainable and efficient transportation solution for the community, particularly for students commuting to school.

Background

Japan faces a pressing issue of declining population and a shortage of drivers, which hampers access to reliable transportation in rural areas. This is particularly critical for students who need safe and affordable methods to travel to and from school or after-school tutoring. In light of these challenges, Will Smart and Joyo Bank have agreed on a partnership to pilot this innovative public transport model, harnessing digital technology and local networks to create a new framework for community transportation.

Details of the Rideshare Initiative

The service, named "Wakamono Ride," will run from December 17, 2025, until February 13, 2026. It will cover the entire area of Kasama City and operate during peak hours:

• - Morning: 6:30 AM to 8:00 AM
• - Evening: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Eligible users are primary, middle, and high school students residing in Kasama, Iwama, and Tomobe areas, with the possibility of adult supervision (parents can accompany their children). The cost for a ride is set at a flat rate of 100 yen per person, regardless of distance.

Will Smart's Role

Will Smart plays a vital role in this initiative through two main contributions:
1. Data-Driven Local Transportation Planning: By gathering and visualizing regional data, Will Smart aims to outline Kasama’s transportation dynamics, aiding in the development of effective traffic policies.
2. Public Rideshare System Development: They are creating an integrated system that includes a booking platform for users, a driver application, and management tools to optimize the matching process between users and drivers, thereby ensuring an efficient and flexible service.

Significance of Social Implementation

This pilot program is notable as it showcases an innovative model of collaboration between a financial institution and a mobility technology company, marking a progressive approach to resolving transportation issues. Leveraging Joyo Bank’s extensive local network and Will Smart’s technical expertise creates a promising framework for providing sustainable transportation solutions in under-served areas.

Future Developments

The success of the Kasama public rideshare initiative will serve as a foundation for potential expansions to other regions facing similar transportation challenges. Will Smart and Joyo Bank aim to use the results from this pilot, including user data and operational insights, to redesign local public transportation systems and inform policy-making in the future.

About Will Smart Co.

Founded on December 12, 2012, Will Smart Co. focuses on resolving societal issues within the mobility sector through conversations with client companies, utilizing advanced digital technology and innovative solutions. Their expertise lies particularly in automating and streamlining existing operations, providing initiatives such as integrated bus schedule displays at terminals and offering IoT devices for EV car-sharing and rideshare services. For more details, please visit their official website: Will Smart Website.

Company Overview

• - Name: Will Smart Co., Ltd.
• - CEO: Yasuhiko Ishii
• - Established: December 12, 2012
• - Business Focus: Planning and proposing solutions for mobility-related business challenges through digital transformation technology.
• - Capital: 6.3 billion yen (as of December 31, 2024)