Transportation / Mobility

April 10, 2003

 

Community Taxis on the Move

Keywords: Local government Transportation / Mobility 

Konan City, population 100,000, is located on the border between Aichi and Gifu Prefectures. A community service that utilizes empty taxis started here in January 2002, and is called "Ikomai CAR" ( 'let's go' in the local dialect). As a means of linking local residents with their community, this particular mode of transportation is unique in Japan, and continues to run smoothly a year after its launch.

The abolition of three private bus routes gave rise to the community taxi service, which is operated jointly by the local municipality and private taxi companies. By using taxis that are generally empty during daytime hours, local citizens can travel to the train station, hospitals and gymnasiums at more affordable fares than those formerly charged by the bus service.

The fare is 100 yen (about 84 cents) per ride per person, though pre-school children ride for free. Passengers pay at the beginning of the ride. The taxis, which can carry up to five passengers, follow designated routes and operate like busses. There are signs indicating "taxi stops" en route, where passengers get on and off. As many as 272 Ikomai CAR shuttles circulate the city from 8.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eight routes run through the city, and on all routes the taxis run at 30-minute intervals.

"We began this service in order to connect up Konan City's public facilities, and to promote participation of citizens in their local community. We designed the routes to include Konan Train Station, hospitals, gymnasiums, the civic auditorium, shopping centers and supermarkets, with all routes starting from City Hall. We count an average of 80 to 90 users per day, so it seems to us that this service is being used by the residents as a way to get around," says an official responsible in the planning department of Konan City Hall. "The majority of customers use it to reach the station, though in many cases elderly people use it for their round trips to hospitals and shopping centers. We will have finished our one-year trial operation this March. In April, we will start a modified 'Ikomai CAR' service, adjusted in response to users' requests concerning routes, timetables, and the elimination of transfers."

Users receive "vouchers" for fares paid, 20 of which can be exchanged for three packs of flower seeds, as Konan City is also promoting a "Fill the City with Flowers" campaign.

Although public transportation systems are critical for local people as a way to get around, many are being scaled back or abolished in the face of a dwindling number of users and operating deficits. Konan City's initiative in operating a community taxi service hand in hand with private companies is a focus of nationwide attention.



Posted: 2003/04/10 10:09:43 AM
Japanese version

 

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