Homelessness-support bike-sharing service HUBchari merges with Osaka Bike Share under one brand

Certified NPO Homedoor and Docomo Bike Share announced that their jointly operated bike-sharing services, HUBchari and Osaka Bike Share, have been unified under the HUBchari brand as of April 1, 2026. The integration aims to provide a clearer and easier-to-use bike-sharing service while building a locally rooted, sustainable mobility infrastructure. The two organizations will strengthen their collaboration to help reduce environmental impact and improve urban mobility across Osaka. The unified brand name is HUBchari, with around 700 operating locations across Osaka Prefecture. Users do not need to complete any procedures, and existing accounts can continue to be used without service interruption. HUBchari launched in 2011 as a bike-sharing service created to generate employment opportunities for people experiencing homelessness. Since Docomo Bike Share entered the Osaka area in 2018, the two services have cooperated through mutual port access and operational coordination. However, separate brand names and service contact points created confusion for first-time users and dispersed public recognition. Operationally, separate information channels and management systems also left room for greater efficiency and convenience. Through this brand integration, the name, communications, and service structure will be unified, allowing users to recognize and use the service intuitively as a single brand. The organizations also aim to create a more comfortable and sustainable mobility service through network optimization and more advanced use of data. Homedoor chairperson Kana Kawaguchi said HUBchari was born as a bike-sharing service to create work opportunities for people experiencing homelessness. Over 15 years since launch, it has become established as a means of transportation for Osaka residents and has supported the lives of more than 7,000 people. She described the brand integration as a major turning point that will further advance the initiative, with the goal of creating mobility that is kind to both workers and users. HUBchari began service in 2011, now operates more than 700 ports across Osaka Prefecture, and has provided employment support to over 500 people. Homedoor was founded in 2010 with the mission of creating a Japanese social structure that does not produce homelessness, operating shelters, the Okaeri Kitchen cafe, restart support programs, and lectures. Docomo Bike Share, founded in 2015, aims to contribute to healthy and environmentally friendly community development by providing locally rooted mobility services loved by residents.