#Japan #Tokyo #OSS #meemo #taxi

Enhancing Public Transportation with meemo's New Taxi Priority Dispatch Feature

Omrons Social Solutions Corporation (OSS), based in Minato, Tokyo, has rolled out an exciting new feature for its public ride-sharing service, meemo. Starting from September 2025, the company will introduce a Taxi Priority Dispatch Feature, which will allow users to book taxi services via the meemo platform, thereby addressing the persistent challenges of transportation access in local communities.

In recent years, cities across Japan have struggled with declining local transportation services due to worsening local government finances and a shortage of drivers. The number of taxi drivers has decreased by approximately 20% nationwide between 2019 and 2023, creating a pressing need for improved ride-sharing solutions, especially in rural and suburban areas. By fostering a cooperative relationship with local taxi operators, meemo aims to enhance the sustainability of local public transport solutions.

Key Features of the Taxi Priority Dispatch System

The new feature will prioritize ride requests from users to local taxi operators, ensuring that taxis are dispatched whenever they can accommodate a ride. Only when a local taxi cannot fulfill a request will a ride-sharing vehicle be dispatched. This dual-layer system seeks to maximize taxi operators’ dispatch opportunities while ensuring residents have reliable transport options, particularly during peak times and in restricted areas. Instead of merely serving as an alternative to traditional taxi services, this initiative aims to support and connect local transportation options, seamlessly integrating them into the community fabric.

Since its launch in 2019, OSS has made significant strides in addressing transportation gaps through meemo, supporting everything from groundwork research to ongoing operational improvements. The core mission remains to stabilize and enrich public transport choice, ensuring a safe and effective environment for users. The introduction of the Taxi Priority Dispatch feature further solidifies OSS's commitment to enhancing public well-being and mobility.

A Proven Community Solution

The meemo service has already showcased its effectiveness through collaborations with local municipalities such as Maizuru City and Nippon Kotsu. Since June 2022, the service has been in full operation for Maizuru’s residents, following successful pilot projects in the Takano district. Starting on April 1, 2024, the service will transition to a paid model, ensuring its sustainability and availability for community members.

OSS has dedicated considerable resources to enhance user experience—from automating taxi booking through a user-friendly app to ensuring accessibility for seniors. By organizing community events aimed at fostering relationships among residents, OSS continues to build trust and bolster driver availability, creating a reliable cooperative transport service called