In Shizuoka City new rideshare programs are being tested in collaboration with multiple companies amid the reduction of fixed-route buses due to a severe shortage of manpower.

Sharing Mover uses vans and the operating costs are shared between participating companies. NearMe and Shizutetsu Taxi have teamed up to launch a late-night shared taxi service using AI. The system automatically selects the optimal route based on membership and reservations.

These initiatives are part of the new social system promoted by the Shizuoka city government through startup support contests, and further services are expected to be realized through public-private partnerships in the future.

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