Tokyo Metro and NAVITIME Japan Launch Japan's First 'Seat Availability Visualization': Full Rollout of 'Seatable Route Search'

Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd. (President: Akihiro Kosaka; Headquarters: Taito-ku, Tokyo; hereinafter "Tokyo Metro") and NAVITIME Japan Co., Ltd. (President: Keisuke Onishi; Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; hereinafter "NAVITIME Japan") will officially launch "Seatable Route Search" and "Easy-to-Sit Car Guidance" on March 30, 2026 (Monday), exclusively for paid members of the "Norikae NAVITIME" app. These features utilize "seating probability" (ease of finding a seat) estimated from vehicle data to maximize travel comfort.

*Note: "Seating probability" indicates the potential for finding a seat and does not guarantee that a seat will be available. Please refrain from "walking while using a smartphone." We ask for your cooperation in improving manners.

Tokyo Metro and NAVITIME Japan have been conducting trial runs of "Easy-to-Sit Car Guidance" for approximately a year and a half to verify the accuracy of the "seating probability" data (*1).

During this trial, we received approximately 3,800 responses to surveys regarding user experience and improvement requests. By refining the "seating probability" based on this data, we have made it possible to predict "where and how much you can sit" with high accuracy.

Furthermore, as a new UI, we have incorporated a bar display showing the percentage and duration of time one can sit. We have also added a feature that suggests routes where you can sit for longer periods, such as "You can sit more easily by waiting for the next train" or "You can sit more easily by transferring from an express train to a local train," marking the official launch of "Seatable Route Search."

We are currently developing new technologies to expand this service to lines other than Tokyo Metro. Tokyo Metro and NAVITIME Japan will continue to promote initiatives aimed at providing services that lead to comfortable travel for our customers.

1. Overview of "Seatable Route Search" Features (1) Display of Estimated Time You Can Sit: The route search results list displays a bar representing the expected duration you may be able to sit during the entire ride. (2) Additional Display of Seatable Routes: If a route where you can sit for a longer time can be proposed, it will be displayed on the search results list screen (Paid members only). (3) Easy-to-Sit Car Display: For the route selected in the list, the most comfortable car to sit in is displayed on the details screen (The estimated time you can sit is based on using this car) (Paid members only). (4) Seating Probability Display by Station: Displays the seating probability for each station from your boarding station to your destination (Paid members only).

2. How to Use Each piece of information will be displayed when a route containing Tokyo Metro lines (*2, *3) exists in the search results. Please note that features (2), (3), and (4) are available to those who have downloaded "Norikae NAVITIME" and registered as paid members. Trial members of "Norikae NAVITIME" can also use these features (*4).

3. Future Outlook Aiming to expand to lines other than Tokyo Metro, we are developing new technology that collects vehicle data via AI image recognition without the need for vehicle modifications.

4. Reference For details on the "Seatable Route Search" feature, please check the following guide page: (https://note.com/navitime_app_tr/n/na022f41a8853)

About "Norikae NAVITIME" This is a transit navigation app specializing in transfers for public transportation, including trains, airplanes, local buses, highway buses, and ferries. You can easily search for necessary information such as nationwide timetables, operation status, easy-to-understand route maps, and boarding positions for smooth transfers. iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/jp/app/id528532387?mt=8 Android OS: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.navitime.local.nttransfer

*1 Please refer to the joint press releases: "Start of Verification for 'Seatable Route Search' Considering 'Seating Probability'" (October 28, 2024) and "Trial Provision of 'Easy-to-Sit Car Guidance' Considering 'Seating Probability'" (January 22, 2025). *2 If you are using a commuter pass, please travel according to the route on your pass. If you travel via other routes, you may be required to pay an additional fare. In principle, you cannot travel via other routes, but there are some sections where you can travel via a different route regardless of the route indicated on your pass. For details on these sections, please check our website (under the "Valid Sections" section for commuter passes). *3 Seating probability may not be displayed for some trains, including during timetable revisions. *4 Please use the latest version of "Norikae NAVITIME."

Note: To ensure a safe and comfortable experience for as many customers as possible, Tokyo Metro provides priority seating and, on some lines during certain hours, women-only cars. When boarding, please follow the guidance posted on station platforms and in cars, and cooperate with our priority seating and women-only car initiatives. Note: The vehicle data and app-related data used in this initiative do not contain any personally identifiable information. "NAVITIME" is a trademark or registered trademark of NAVITIME Japan Co., Ltd. Other company names and product names mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.