#Japan #Public Technologies #AI Demand Traffic #Shihoro Town #Shihoro Town, Hokkaido

Addressing Transportation Gaps through AI Demand Traffic in Shihoro Town

Introduction
Public Technologies, a GovTech startup based in Chuo Ward, Tokyo, is partnering with Shihoro Town in Hokkaido to launch a significant project aimed at eliminating transportation gaps in the region. Known for developing the community-focused super app "PubTech" and AI administrative support tools, this initiative titled "Re-Designing Community Transportation in Shihoro - Ensuring a Comfortable Living for All" is set to create effective solutions using AI technology to support local transportation needs.

Understanding the Challenges
As the population in Shihoro Town ages and the trend of returning driving licenses increases, the challenges of mobility are becoming more prominent. Particularly during winter, residents face difficulties in transportation due to harsh weather conditions, impacting their ability to access community services effectively. Existing town-operated buses are limited, often primarily serving school routes, while community buses operate on fixed routes and schedules, leading to insufficient service for residents' diverse commuting needs. Hence, the town is exploring the potential of a door-to-door transportation service to alleviate these issues.

The Project Structure
The newly launched project will methodically analyze the current transportation situation through comprehensive surveys—gathering feedback from town residents, conducting ridership analyses, and holding interviews with local transportation operators. The process aims to gather qualitative and quantitative data to foster consensus among stakeholders about the best operational model for the AI demand transport service.

The year leading up to 2025 will focus on establishing a cooperative infrastructure alongside conducting a crowdfunding campaign aimed at purchasing vehicles for the new AI demand traffic system. By 2026, Public Technologies plans to execute trial runs of the service, meticulously assessing its effectiveness and routing based on the outcomes.

Importance of Community Involvement
Engaging with the community is a core aspect of this initiative. The project will involve direct interactions with local residents through surveys and interviews, allowing them to express their mobility needs and concerns. Analyzing bus ridership data and exploring the operational specifics of existing transportation services will be crucial. Stakeholder feedback will play an essential role in shaping the deployment of a solution that genuinely meets community needs.

Public Technologies has adopted a hands-on approach by offering one-stop support from initial surveys to final testing of the transportation service. Rather than merely imposing a pre-established framework, the company aims to co-create effective transportation solutions with local authorities and residents, enhancing accessibility and service quality through innovation.

Looking Ahead
Within the timeline extending from August 2025 to March 2027, the goal is to raise a total of 5 million yen through a crowdfunding initiative to facilitate the purchase of AI demand vehicles and establish a distribution system. This financial backing is essential to ensure that all residents in Shihoro Town can move around safely and effectively.

Moving forward, Public Technologies envisions not only implementing this project in Shihoro but also using it as a model to tackle similar transportation challenges nationwide. The company continues to invite collaboration with local governments across Japan, aiming to enhance community resources and develop sustainable transportation systems for future generations.

Conclusion
Residents of Shihoro Town are at the forefront of this transformative project, and ongoing dialogue is crucial as the company gathers insights that will guide the development of a sustainable and effective transport network. For any municipalities which are interested in learning more about this initiative or partnership opportunities, please feel free to reach out via email or visit our website.

For more details about Public Technologies and its various offerings, visit our website.