#Japan #Tokyo #Will Smart #transport technology #regional transport

Will Smart to Host the Regional Transport DX Forum 2026

Will Smart, a Tokyo-based technology company dedicated to enhancing local transportation infrastructure, is set to organize the Regional Transport DX Forum 2026 on October 14, 2026. This event will occur in a hybrid format, allowing participation both in-person near Shimbashi Station in Tokyo and online.

Forum Overview

The forum will feature important presentations including a keynote speech from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), discussions led by transport operators, and panel discussions. Moreover, attendees present at the venue will have exclusive access to creative sessions showcasing a newly developed core business platform for bus operators, which adheres to the standardized specifications outlined by the Ministry.

Background of the Event

The local transportation sector faces numerous challenges such as labor shortages, operational dependencies, and varying system configurations among different operators. In response, the MLIT has initiated steps towards the standardization of bus operations. The push for digital transformation (DX) in regional transport has progressed to a critical stage where the focus is now on effectively applying these standards in the field.

Will Smart has been actively involved in developing systems and conducting pilot programs to address the specific operational and systemic challenges faced by transport operators. Drawing from these insights, the company aims to connect policy-driven standardization with actual applicable frameworks in the field. This forum is designed to be a collaborative space where perspectives from policy, transport operators, and technology converge to explore both challenges and opportunities in implementing transport DX.

Key Highlights of the Forum

• - Latest trends in operational standardization provided by MLIT (Primary policy information).
• - Practical insights from early-adopter bus and railway operators (Field implementation issues and their resolutions).
• - A hands-on demonstration of the core business platform for bus operators (Exclusive to in-person attendees).
• - A networking opportunity with transport operators and DX promotion personnel (Exclusive to in-person attendees).

Event Details

Target Audience

• - Executives and DX promotion personnel from bus and railway transport operators.
• - Local government officials involved in transport policy and public transport operations.
• - Organizations and companies interested in regional transport DX.
• - Media representatives interested in covering the forum.

Date & Time

• - Date: October 14, 2026
• - Time: 13:00 – 17:30

Venue

• - Location: TIME SHARING Shimbashi 4F (Near Ginza Exit), Tokyo, Minato Ward, Shimbashi 2-18-2

Format

• - A hybrid model featuring in-person participation and online streaming.

Participation Fee

• - Free

Registration Deadline

• - Deadline: September 30, 2026

Registration Page

Following the forum, an informal networking event is planned for in-person attendees within the same building, providing a unique chance to exchange ideas with speakers and other DX promotion personnel.

Program Structure

The forum will consist of two main parts:

Part 1: Presentations and Discussions

Time: 13:00 – 15:00
This section will include a keynote address from MLIT as well as presentations by transport operators and a panel discussion. The aim is to discuss the background and direction of bus service standardization while examining practical challenges in implementing regional transport DX from both policy and operational perspectives.

Part 2: Creative Session (In-Person Only)

Time: 15:15 – 17:30
This session will feature the first public demonstration of a core business platform for bus operators that complies with the MLIT's bus service specifications. Additionally, group work will facilitate sharing of field challenges among transport operators.

Note: Program details are subject to change without prior notice. Participation may be declined after application based on target demographic and industry criteria.

About Will Smart

Will Smart engages in solving social issues within the mobility sector through collaboration with clients, utilizing their extensive experience and innovative solutions. The company's strengths lie in automating existing operations using digital technologies, developing new systems for integrated bus schedules, and provision of IoT devices for electric vehicle car sharing, unmanned rental cars, and ride-sharing services among other support initiatives. For more information, visit Will Smart's website: Will Smart.

Company Overview

• - Company Name: Will Smart Inc.
• - CEO: Yasuhiko Ishii
• - Established: December 12, 2012
• - Listing: Tokyo Stock Exchange (175A)
• - Business Focus: Proposal and development support of DX solutions for mobility sector challenges.
• - Capital: 865 million yen (as of June 1, 2026)