#Japan #Tokyo #ride-hailing #S.RIDE

S.RIDE Launches New Service to Facilitate Foreign Travel

S.RIDE, a Tokyo-based company, is taking significant steps to bridge the gap between international ride-hailing apps and its homegrown taxi network. Officially announced recently, this new service promises to streamline transportation for the increasing number of foreign visitors to Japan. Starting in Spring 2026, S.RIDE plans to gradually integrate its services with major overseas ride-hailing platforms, capitalizing on the booming inbound travel market.

According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the number of foreign visitors to Japan is set to reach an astonishing 3.89 million in October 2025, surpassing previous records. As of September 2025, the cumulative number of foreign visitors for the year touched 30 million, showcasing unprecedented growth. However, challenges persist, as many visitors face inconveniences related to language barriers, payment methods, and app navigation during their travels.

A Seamless Experience for Foreign Visitors

The core of this new service lies in its ability to connect ride requests from international apps directly to the S.RIDE system, which then relays those requests to its network of partner taxis. This means that foreign visitors can use their familiar overseas ride-hailing apps to effortlessly book S.RIDE's affiliated taxis without the obstacles posed by language differences or dissimilar payment systems. By leveraging S.RIDE's high success rate and fast response times, overseas app users will gain a convenient way to navigate Japanese cities.

A significant advantage of this service is its minimal implementation burden for taxi operators. No new equipment installations or extensive system overhauls are necessary. Once taxi companies sign a contract with S.RIDE, they can start accepting ride requests from overseas apps. This streamlines the process, allowing drivers to receive orders from international platforms just like they would from the regular S.RIDE system, eliminating the need for them to learn new operation protocols.

Benefits for Taxi Operators and Ride-Hailing Partners

For taxi businesses, this service offers not only the opportunity to tap into S.RIDE's robust domestic demand but also to attract a new influx of customers via foreign ride-hailing apps. This integration is particularly beneficial in high-traffic areas frequented by international travelers, such as airports, hotels, and tourist attractions, leading to improved occupancy rates.

Similarly, overseas ride-hailing platforms will gain access to S.RIDE's extensive network, comprising approximately 12,000 taxis in Tokyo and over 20,000 taxis across Japan. This partnership presents a unique opportunity for these apps to expand their service offerings within a lucrative market.

Future Expansion Plans

After the initial rollout in Spring 2026, S.RIDE aims to progressively extend its connections with various platforms from regions including Asia, North America, and Europe. Furthermore, the company is exploring possibilities for international interoperability, which would allow S.RIDE users to access taxi services abroad, thus creating a comprehensive global travel solution.

About the S.RIDE App

The S.RIDE app is a taxi-hailing service enhanced by Sony Group's AI and IT technology. Key features include:

• - On-demand as well as reservation-based taxi services
• - Smooth online payments via pre-registered credit cards
• - S.RIDE WALLET, allowing drivers to process payments seamlessly from both hailed rides and app requests
• - Integration with expense management programs and email-based electronic receipt issuance

For those interested in downloading the app, it is available on both App Store and Google Play.

About S.RIDE Co., Ltd.

• - Company Name: S.RIDE Co., Ltd.
• - Headquarters: 5th Floor, Shiodome City Center, 1-5-2 Higashi-Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
• - Established: May 31, 2018
• - CEO: Yohei Hashimoto
• - Business Scope: Providing the S.RIDE taxi application and developing services for taxi operators and fleet management software.
• - For more information, visit S.RIDE Website.