NearMe's 'Sustainable Regional Transport Models' Implemented Across Japan

NearMe, a social design company addressing mobility challenges, has partnered with local governments on over 25 projects to solve regional transport issues.

NearMe constructs sustainable transportation models tailored to local needs, such as eliminating transport gaps caused by infrastructure consolidation, optimizing public costs, and addressing overtourism.

This report highlights two initiatives: Nishio City, Aichi Prefecture, which implemented an on-demand shared taxi model to improve public transport profitability, and Sado City, Niigata Prefecture, which launched a unique public ride-sharing system to address taxi shortages and transport gaps.

[Nishio City, Aichi Prefecture] Reducing Costs by 75% and Restructuring Sustainable Transport

Launched in April 2025, the 'Shared Taxi' initiative in Nishio City serves as an alternative to the 'Icchan Bus' community bus, which ceased operations in March 2025.

◆ AI-Powered Cost Reduction
While the 'Icchan Bus' had an annual operating cost of approximately 22 million yen with about 3,000 annual passengers, the transition to shared taxis is projected to reduce operating costs to approximately 5 million yen per year.

◆ Door-to-Fixed-Spot System
Nishio City's shared taxi service connects residents' homes with about 50 designated destinations (such as bus stops, banks, and medical facilities). It works in complementarity with existing bus routes.

◆ Changing Mobility Habits
With the introduction of the 200-yen shared taxi service, residents are shifting from walking to bus stops to booking rides from their homes, enhancing overall convenience.

Mr. Suzuki, an official from Nishio City's Regional Connection Division, stated, "Our priority is to make this project a success case in the Isshiki area and leverage these insights to expand throughout the city for overall transport optimization."