S.RIDE Expands Taxi App Services in Chiba Prefecture with Launch in Ichihara Area

S.RIDE Expands Taxi App Services in Chiba Prefecture

S.RIDE, Inc. based in Minato, Tokyo, has announced the expansion of its taxi app services in the Ichihara area of Chiba Prefecture, set to begin on March 11, 2026. The introduction involves the deployment of the S.RIDE app across 132 vehicles operated by local taxi firms within the Ichihara transportation zone.

The participating companies include three subsidiaries of the Kominato Railway Group—Kominato Taxi Co. with 46 vehicles, Anegasaki Taxi Co. with 30, and Ushiku Taxi Co. with 10, along with Shiratori Riverside Taxi Co. which has 46 vehicles. This collaboration will allow residents and visitors of Ichihara to easily hail rides through the S.RIDE app.

To achieve this, S.RIDE has partnered with Denno Kotsu Co., which provides a cloud-based taxi dispatch system called DS, integrating it with S.RIDE's own platform. This marks a significant step for S.RIDE, further enhancing its service offerings and aiming to improve mobility within the region.

In addition to individual rides, the launch will introduce the corporate plan “S.RIDE Biz” in the same area, allowing businesses to manage their transportation needs more effectively. With plans for continuous service expansion, S.RIDE is committed to enhancing convenience in local transportation.

Ichihara—A Hub of Transportation Needs

Ichihara is known as one of Chiba's industrial hubs, housing the Keiyo Industrial Area. Due to its diverse range of needs, including commuter traffic, tourism, and business travel, the demand for reliable transportation services is high. The launch of S.RIDE's services in this area is set to provide a seamless vehicle dispatch environment through the app, catering to these varied needs.

The introduction of the S.RIDE app will increase the number of vehicles supporting the service in Chiba Prefecture to over 1,000. By expanding the service area, S.RIDE hopes to bolster its network and contribute further to regional mobility. The company's strategic goal is not only to expand its reach but also to aid in digital transformation among local taxi operators, enhancing their operational efficiency in the age of technological advancement.

Driving Innovation: S.RIDE's Vision

As we move towards an era of autonomous transportation, S.RIDE is at the forefront of technological innovation, utilizing Sony's AI and IT expertise to craft new high-value services. With a clear purpose to create an engaging transportation experience, S.RIDE aims to reshape the mobility service market by offering unique travel experiences and lifestyle solutions.

What is S.RIDE?

S.RIDE is a taxi app developed by S.RIDE Co., leveraging Sony Group’s cutting-edge AI and IT technologies. It provides comprehensive taxi dispatch services, catering to both individuals and corporate clients. Users can simply call a taxi, make reservations (including airport fixed-rates), and enjoy hassle-free mobile payments via the app with registered credit cards. The app also supports cashless payments directly from hailed taxis through the S.RIDE WALLET feature, along with integration for expense management and electronic receipts.

Service Availability

S.RIDE's services are operational in several areas across Japan, including Miyagi, Ibaraki, Saitama, Chiba, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Shizuoka, Aichi, Ishikawa, Osaka, and Kumamoto Prefectures. The app is easily downloadable via App Store and Google Play.

Contact S.RIDE

- Company Name: S.RIDE Co., Ltd.
- Address: 5F Shiodome City Center, 1-5-2 Higashi-Shimbashi, Minato, Tokyo, Japan
- Established: May 31, 2018
- CEO: Yohei Hashimoto
- Website: S.RIDE
- YouTube: S.RIDE Channel
- Facebook: S.RIDE on Facebook
- Twitter: S.RIDE on Twitter
- Instagram: S.RIDE on Instagram