JAKARTA - Japan has started operating a mini taxi fueled by gas after the government lifted restrictions on that type of vehicle. This step was taken when the taxi industry was short of drivers and a number of regions still had few transportation options.
Kyodo News, quoted Thursday, July 2, reported that Daiichi Koutsu Sangyo Co. launched the first two mini-taxis in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture, on Friday. The company plans to expand the service to 16 other prefectures around this summer.
The small vehicle was chosen because it is easier to drive and agile on narrow roads. Daiichi Koutsu Sangyo hopes that the mini taxi can attract more drivers and serve residents who need transportation to shop or go to the hospital.
"We can pick up customers right in front of their house, even in narrow streets," said driver Saori Yamamoto, 42.
Previously, mini-taxis in Japan could only be used for social welfare services and electric vehicles. The rule changed after the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism issued a notice on June 1 to lift the restrictions, following a taxi industry request.
Daiichi Koutsu Sangyo's mini-cab can in principle carry three passengers. The fare is the same as a regular taxi.
For operators, mini vehicles offer lower procurement and maintenance costs. For passengers, the advantage is access to areas that are difficult to reach with larger vehicles.
President of Daiichi Koutsu Sangyo, Ryoichiro Tanaka, said the company wants to reduce the area that does not have adequate transportation facilities.
"Our mission is to remove areas without transportation facilities. Mini vehicles have evolved, and customers will be able to ride them without feeling uncomfortable," said Tanaka.
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