#Japan #Tanabe #Tanabe City #meemo #Omron Social Solutions

Addressing Transportation Gaps with Ride-Sharing in Tanabe City

Omron Social Solutions Co., Ltd. (OSS), headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, is set to implement a public ride-sharing service starting November 1, 2025, in Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. This initiative aims to alleviate the transportation gaps experienced during peak tourism seasons and to boost local mobility.

Current Challenges in Local Transportation

As local municipalities struggle with financial constraints and labor shortages, the maintenance of community transportation services has become increasingly difficult, leading to a shortage of mobility options for residents, commonly referred to as 'transportation gaps.' In Tanabe City, despite experiencing a rise in international tourist numbers, especially during the busy seasons in spring and autumn, existing transportation infrastructure is often overwhelmed, exacerbating the issue of 'overtourism.'

The scenic region of Hongu, home to UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Kumano Hongu Taisha and the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes, has seen a dramatic increase in foreign visitors. In 2024, the number of foreign overnight guests is expected to reach a record high, indicating a 1.66 times increase from the previous year. This surge highlights the need for convenient transportation solutions that can cater to the mobility of inbound tourists effectively.

Implementation of the Ride-Sharing Service

To tackle these challenges, OSS will leverage its expertise in building local public transportation systems, developed through its existing ride-sharing service, 'meemo.' The pilot implementation in Tanabe City will feature:

• - Morning Services: Additional fixed-route bus services operated by Ryujin Bus Co., catering to regular commuters and early tourists.
• - Evening Services: The introduction of a ride-sharing model utilizing 10-passenger rental vans, driven by local residents who have undergone ministerial-approved training. This service aims to provide flexible and responsive transport options during peak evening hours.
• - Multilingual Support: The informational materials, including bus signs and pamphlets, will be made available in multiple languages to ensure that foreign tourists can navigate the transportation options easily.

By enhancing the convenience of mobility for visitors, including international tourists, OSS hopes to contribute significantly to the tourism landscape in Tanabe City.

Utilizing Collected Data for Sustainable Mobility

Data collected during this operation will not only aid in improving the current public transportation strategies but also provide invaluable insights for the revitalization of the tourism industry and the elimination of transportation gaps. Furthermore, OSS plans to conduct consulting services based on this data to champion sustainable urban mobility solutions and bolster local economic development in Tanabe.

About OSS

With approximately 60 years of dedication to public transportation solutions, Omron Social Solutions Co., Ltd. has successfully delivered pioneering social public systems, including automated ticketing systems. They continue to respond to challenges local communities face, such as labor shortages and energy management by employing advanced technologies like IoT, AI, and robotics. OSS is committed to building safe, secure, and comfortable environments, supporting the development of sustainable communities.

For municipalities interested in instituting the 'meemo' ride-sharing service, OSS is available to provide resources and consultations tailored to local needs. More information can be found at their designated consultation portals linked in their documentation.