Plug and Play Japan Joins Two Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) Projects: 'COMmmmONS' and 'Project LINKS'

Plug and Play Japan (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Vincent Phillips) is pleased to announce its participation in two projects led by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT): the regional transportation DX project 'COMmmmONS' and 'Project LINKS,' which promotes the development, utilization, and open data initiatives within the land, infrastructure, and transport sectors. Through these initiatives, Plug and Play Japan will leverage its extensive domestic and international startup network, expertise in public-private partnerships, event design and operational capabilities, and ecosystem-building experience to address the challenges in regional transportation targeted by COMmmmONS and expand the scope of data utilization in the land and transport sectors as aimed by Project LINKS.

【Background】

Transportation is not merely about 'movement'; it is the foundation supporting various economic and social activities, including commuting, medical visits, shopping, tourism, and employment. The weakening of transportation networks can lead to a reduction in not only mobility and convenience but also consumption and employment opportunities. Furthermore, Japan's public transportation landscape has historically developed through diverse private operators, leading to fragmented services and data, siloed business processes, and reliance on analog practices. Coupled with a declining birthrate, aging population, and labor shortages, it is recognized that maintaining these traditional practices is becoming increasingly difficult.

Given this situation, we recognize the need to view transportation challenges not just as 'mobility infrastructure issues,' but as a foundation for regional economies that must be redesigned as a data-driven infrastructure with a broader range of stakeholders. Through this engagement, we aim to create spaces and opportunities for diverse entities—including government, startups, large corporations, local municipalities, youth, the elderly, students, and women—to engage and participate.

【Project Overview】

・What is COMmmmONS?

COMmmmONS is a regional transportation DX project promoted by MLIT. It aims to overcome the 'siloing of services, data, and business processes' in regional transportation. By promoting digital integration across four perspectives—(1) Services, (2) Data, (3) Management, and (4) Business Processes—the project seeks to redesign regional transportation and implement social solutions to improve convenience, sustainability, and productivity.

COMmmmONS Website

・What is Project LINKS?

Project LINKS is a project promoting the development, utilization, and open data initiatives in the land, infrastructure, and transport sectors. Its goal is to expand the potential of government-held data and foster continuous, autonomous innovation. By integrating practical opportunities through events and workshops with ongoing information dissemination, Project LINKS is expected to visualize concrete examples of data utilization in the sector and expand the base of participants and use cases.