#Japan #Ride-sharing #OSS #Comagane City #Comagane City, Nagano

Addressing Transportation Gaps in Nagano's Comagane City

As Japan continues to grapple with various social challenges, transportation has become a pressing issue, especially in local towns struggling with financial constraints and workforce shortages. Recognizing these challenges, Omron Social Solutions Co., Ltd. (OSS) is spearheading an innovative public ride-sharing service trial in Comagane City, Nagano Prefecture, starting September 1, 2025. This initiative aims to fill transportation gaps during the bustling tourism season and promote overall mobility in the region.

The concept of public ride-sharing has gained traction as a viable solution to enhance transportation facilities where traditional services fall short. Comagane City, a beloved tourist destination at the foot of the scenic Central Alps, offers stunning attractions such as the千畳敷カール (Senjyoujiki Karu), drawing visitors from all over. Despite its beauty, the area has been facing significant transportation challenges that have hindered access for both local residents and tourists alike.

In the run-up to this new initiative, OSS partnered with local agencies, including the Comagane City Regional Public Transport Council, Akaho Taxi Co., Ltd., and Inan Taxi Co., Ltd., to conduct a preliminary experiment on public ride-sharing from mid-January to early March 2024. This initial trial assisted in understanding the transportation needs of the community and gauged the potential success of a full-scale introduction.

For the upcoming public ride-sharing service, OSS aims to expand its target audience. Besides catering to business professionals, the service will now actively engage local residents and tourists, ensuring comfortable access during the busy tourist season. An operating system will incorporate taxi prioritization dispatch functions in collaboration with local transportation entities like Akaho Taxi and Inan Taxi to streamline travel experiences for all users.

Scope of the Experiment

Implementing this ambitious project involves ensuring efficient and reliable transportation options for the many visitors arriving during peak periods. The plan focuses on creating an extensive network of public ride-sharing services to alleviate any congestion, ultimately enhancing overall mobility for everyone in the community.

This initiative underpins OSS's broader mission, as it strives to tackle transportation gaps while fostering the long-term sustainable development of Comagane City. OSS’s new public ride-sharing service, known as meemo (ミーモ), aims to support the community by offering a fresh transportation option infused with local insight and expertise.

The meemo Public Ride-Sharing Service

Launched in 2019, meemo has focused on addressing transportation gaps through public ride-sharing, providing comprehensive support from research and implementation to operational improvements. OSS’s vision for meemo is to establish it as a reliable choice for public transportation, allowing locals and tourists alike to travel with comfort and ease.

To facilitate the introduction of the meemo service, OSS has created informational materials detailing its offerings, accessible to municipalities exploring ride-sharing opportunities. OSS also provides support and consultation services for local governments looking to integrate this innovative transportation solution.

For more information, municipalities can download the meemo business documents here and use the online consultation form for public ride-sharing inquiries here.

About Omron Social Solutions Co., Ltd.

Established to innovate and automate public systems, OSS has gained a reputation for creating leading-edge solutions, including automated ticket gates for seamless public transport. As Japan moves forward, OSS aims to address pressing issues like labor shortages and energy concerns using cutting-edge technologies such as IoT, AI, and robotics. Committed to contributing to a safer and more efficient public sphere, OSS remains dedicated to providing groundbreaking solutions for contemporary societal challenges.