#Japan #Tokushima #Canon Biz Attenda #Public Ride-Sharing

Canon Biz Attenda's Public Ride-Sharing Service in Tokushima

Introduction
Canon Biz Attenda, a subsidiary of Canon Marketing Japan, is set to revolutionize public transport in Tokushima Prefecture by launching a ride-sharing service in the Shishikui area of Kaiyo Town. This initiative, starting from January 5, 2026, aims to enhance the mobility of local residents, particularly as the region faces challenges such as an aging population and declining public transport services.

Understanding the Local Need
As Japan continues to grapple with population decline, many rural areas are experiencing a contraction in their public transportation systems. The situation in Kaiyo Town is no exception; with the reduction of bus services due to a decrease in users, residents find themselves facing significant transportation gaps. This leads to difficulties in daily travel, creating a pressing need for a more flexible transport solution that aligns with user demands.

In response, the local government has devised a "Kaiyo Town Community Public Transport Plan" focused on establishing a sustainable public transport network, demonstrating the community's recognition of the urgency to address these mobility issues.

The Pilot Service
With the collaboration between Canon Biz Attenda and Itsumo DS, the public ride-sharing service will allow users in the Shishikui area to specify pickup and drop-off locations as per their preferences. The service will utilize communal vehicles from Kaiyo Town. Users can make reservations via the local app, "Fururun App," available 24/7, or by phone for those less familiar with smartphone technology. This dual reservation system ensures that flexibility and accessibility are at the forefront of the service.

Innovative Solutions for Community Needs
In preparation for this pilot, Canon Biz Attenda has engaged with local residents and senior citizens through community workshops and surveys to capture their transportation needs effectively. Enhancing efficiency is also a core objective; the reservation and inquiry processes will be managed through the Canon Biz Attenda call center, drawing on their expertise in Business Process Outsourcing (BPO). The aim is not only to streamline operations but also to free up municipal staff time, allowing a reallocation of resources toward improving services for residents.

The pilot service will run from January 5 to February 28, 2026, operating Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM, excluding weekends and public holidays. Fares will be set between 100 to 400 yen, providing an affordable means of transport for the community.

Future Vision
Looking ahead, Canon Biz Attenda intends to extend the ride-sharing service beyond Shishikui to encompass the entire Kaiyo Town area. Furthermore, there are future plans to explore the incorporation of private vehicles and general drivers into this ride-sharing model, as well as the potential implementation of autonomous electric vehicles to adapt to the mobility needs of both residents and tourists.

Strategic Partnerships
The collaboration with Itsumo DS represents a significant partnership, enabling both entities to drive public transport digital transformation across local municipalities. This commitment aims to make a meaningful impact on transportation challenges throughout Japan, contributing to the sustainable development of local communities.

Conclusion
The innovation brought forth by Canon Biz Attenda and Itsumo DS in Tokushima's public transport ecosystem showcases how technology can address mobility issues in rural areas. By introducing a flexible and user-centric ride-sharing service, they are setting a standard for future public transport solutions that could benefit many other communities across Japan.