NearMe and Ehime FC to Operate “Ehime FC Support Share Taxi” on Playoff Match Days with 1,000 Yen Discount Campaign

NearMe Inc., a social design company addressing mobility challenges, and Ehime FC Co., Ltd. announced that they will operate the “Ehime FC Support Share Taxi,” connecting Ningineer Stadium with surrounding areas, as an initiative to solve transportation issues for stadium visitors. The service will run on match days for the 2026 Meiji Yasuda J2/J3 Centennial Concept League playoff round: the first match on May 30, 2026, and the second match on June 6 or 7, 2026. Service for the second match will be provided only if the match is held at Ningineer Stadium. In conjunction with the launch, the companies will also run the “Ehime FC Support Campaign,” offering a 1,000 yen discount coupon for reservations made through shared rides. The Ehime FC Support Share Taxi is a reservation-based transportation service that uses NearMe’s proprietary AI to calculate optimal routes based on multiple passengers’ pickup and drop-off locations, enabling efficient vehicle sharing. The service applies the framework of the “Iyokan Web Taxi,” already deployed in six municipalities in Ehime Prefecture, to provide a new stadium-based mobility option. NearMe and Ehime FC previously tested a stadium-based shared taxi initiative in February 2026 and confirmed both its potential as a new mobility option and a certain level of user interest, leading to this rollout. By securing transportation before arriving at the stadium, visitors can return home more smoothly even during post-match congestion. Shared use also helps reduce travel costs while providing a near door-to-door experience. Compared with public transport, it reduces the burden of transfers and walking; compared with regular taxi use, it can be more affordable. The service area covers Matsuyama City, Imabari City, Saijo City, Toon City, Tobe Town, and Masaki Town. Users can specify pickup and drop-off points when booking through the app. Fares are finalized before boarding based on the expected route distance shown on the service site. Advance reservations made by the previous day can save up to 23%, and fares vary depending on the number of shared riders, with the lowest price reaching 50% of regular taxi fares. For example, between Ningineer Stadium and JR Matsuyama Station, a regular taxi costs about 6,800 yen, while the Ehime FC Support Share Taxi starts from 3,400 yen when reserved by the previous day and shared riding is successfully arranged. Payment is by credit card only, and the maximum capacity is four passengers. Reservations are made through NearMe’s service site by entering information such as the desired number of passengers and departure time. Once the reservation is confirmed, details including estimated arrival time and pickup location are sent by email. NearMe says it will continue using shared taxi services as one solution for situations where mobility supply and demand temporarily become imbalanced, such as sports events, while aiming to improve regional transport convenience and build sustainable mobility models. NearMe provides AI-optimized door-to-door taxi sharing services. Its airport transfer service, Airport Shuttle, launched in August 2019 and has reached 1.4 million cumulative reservations as of April 2026. It is currently available at 16 airports across Japan and nearby urban areas. The company also works with local governments on demonstration projects addressing regional mobility issues, including transport for sports events, secondary tourism transportation, and mobility support for older adults.