NAVITIME Launches Route Management Function for Shared Bus Operators via 'Itinerary Cloud by NAVITIME'

NAVITIME Japan Co., Ltd. (President and CEO: Keisuke Onishi, headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo) will begin offering the 'Route Management Function' on Thursday, June 18, 2026, through its large-bus-compatible itinerary creation tool, 'Itinerary Cloud by NAVITIME.' This new feature enables shared bus operators to visualize and centrally manage route information submitted to transportation bureaus on digital maps.

Under the Road Transport Law, shared bus operators are required to obtain prior approval from transportation bureaus for the routes they operate.

However, managing these applications has presented several challenges:

- Application data is primarily text-based, making it difficult to intuitively grasp geographical relationships on maps.

- Vast amounts of application data are managed via paper documents or individual electronic files, making it hard to immediately utilize them for creating operational standard maps or route materials for training and safety.

- Paper-based records are vulnerable to deterioration over time and risk of loss.

The new function digitizes and centralizes route applications previously managed individually via paper or Excel files, enabling unified management on digital maps. This supports operational efficiency (DX) and strengthens the foundation for safe operations in the shared bus industry. Additionally, during implementation, NAVITIME can register existing large volumes of route data on behalf of clients (paid optional service).

This function has already been adopted by Hatobus Co., Ltd., a company operating scheduled sightseeing bus services. Through this service, NAVITIME aims to broadly support safety and operational efficiency across various bus operation models, from daily commuter routes to tourism routes.

■ Key Features and Benefits

- Intuitive visualization of approved routes on digital maps

By registering designated road sections in the 'Route Management Function' interface, previously text-based or image-pasted route applications are now displayed as route lines on digital maps.

Approved sections become instantly visible, enhancing geographical understanding for operations managers and drivers.

- Efficient creation and editing of route information during route changes or new route planning

With operational routes displayed on maps, creating, editing, and exporting route information becomes highly efficient during route modifications or when planning new services.

- Digital database management as a corporate asset

Essential approved route information is now centrally managed in the cloud, preventing data degradation and loss.

Information is accessible and understandable to all staff, enabling easy internal sharing of up-to-date data. This eliminates knowledge silos and enables secure, standardized management and operations.

Going forward, NAVITIME plans to integrate these managed route data with its dedicated large-bus navigation app, 'Bus Car Navi,' to support the bus industry from both safety and labor shortage perspectives—preventing route deviations and enabling even less-experienced drivers to operate safely and confidently.

● About 'Itinerary Cloud by NAVITIME'

'Itinerary Cloud by NAVITIME' is a SaaS-based web service designed for travel agencies and bus operators. It enables optimal route planning and fare calculation by combining vehicles (including large, medium, small, and commuter buses), public transit, walking, and cycling. The service supports digitalization of itinerary creation and quotation processes for individual/group travel and MICE events, enhancing operational efficiency in travel and bus operations. It also integrates with 'Bus Car Navi,' a navigation app that considers nationwide traffic regulations for large buses.

▶ Itinerary Cloud by NAVITIME Introduction Page

● Contact Information

▶ Inquiry Form for Service Use

* '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.