#Japan #Hitachi #Mobility as a Service #Ishii Town

Launch of Digital Mobility Assistance Tickets for Seniors in Ishii Town, Tokushima

In an initiative aimed at enhancing the quality of life for senior citizens, Ishii Town in Tokushima Prefecture, in collaboration with Hitachi Ltd., will commence a trial project for a digital ticketing system utilizing facial recognition technology. This initiative, set to run from October 1, 2025, to February 16, 2026, will replace traditional paper taxi vouchers with digital tickets that utilize facial recognition for user verification.

Background

Japan is experiencing a significant demographic shift due to its aging population and declining birthrate, leading to an increase in the number of elderly individuals who no longer drive. As cities, particularly in rural areas, see a decline in public transport use, it's crucial to promote mobility among seniors. Many local governments have implemented assistance programs aimed at encouraging public transport usage among the elderly. Ishii Town has been distributing paper taxi and bus vouchers as part of this initiative. However, managing these paper tickets has proven to be cumbersome for both the transport providers and local authorities, especially with the risks of loss and misuse by users.

Details of the Trial

The upcoming trial will focus on digitalizing taxi assistance tickets. Seniors interested in utilizing this service must first register at the Ishii Town Hall, where they will also enroll in the facial recognition system. When utilizing the taxis, seniors can simply present their face for verification, allowing for a seamless 'hands-free' experience. There will be no immediate payments necessary; users can pay the difference if the value of their digital ticket is insufficient. After each use, participants will receive a summary of their ticket usage via email, ensuring transparency and ease of tracking.

With the implementation of digital tickets, seniors will find it much easier to access public transport, thereby increasing their opportunities for outings. Moreover, this technology will help prevent fraud by ensuring proper identification during each transaction. For transport companies and the local government, this also translates to improved operational efficiency due to easier usage tracking, reduced paperwork, and overall streamlined processes.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, there are plans to expand this digital ticketing service to bus transportation and to collaborate with neighboring municipalities for broader service integration. Additionally, there are discussions about linking with tourism and retail sectors to enhance transportation services through the concept of Mobility as a Service (MaaS), effectively creating a holistic transportation ecosystem in the region. This initiative aims to improve the convenience of public transport and drive economic revitalization, contributing to sustainable community development.

About Ishii Town

Ishii Town is located in the eastern part of Tokushima Prefecture and is characterized by its beautiful landscapes, including fertile plains and gentle hills. The town has been developing into a suburban area connected to Tokushima City and is poised for continued growth, striking a balance between urban features and natural beauty. Ishii Town aims to create a harmonious living environment for its residents by promoting sustainable urban development.

About Hitachi Ltd.

Hitachi Ltd. is a global leader in social innovation, leveraging advanced technologies across IT, OT, and products to develop solutions that foster a sustainable society. Through its various sectors such as energy, mobility, and digital services, Hitachi aims to address global challenges while driving economic growth. More details about their initiatives can be found at Hitachi's official website.

This collaboration between Ishii Town and Hitachi exemplifies how technology can bridge the gap in mobility for seniors, ensuring they remain active participants in their communities.