2023-11-18 21:00:00
As the shortage of taxis due to a shortage of drivers becomes a nationwide issue, including in Tokyo’s 23 wards, discussions are progressing over the introduction of “ride sharing” as a new means of transportation. We asked Professor Kazuhiro Ota (62) of Senshu University, who is knowledgeable about transportation policy, about the issues and other issues. (Toshi Yamaguchi)
Q What is ride sharing?
A: It is a service for ordinary drivers who do not have a Type 2 driving license to use their own cars to transport people to their destinations for a fee, and the key point is that it can be used with a smartphone app. Although “white taxis” are prohibited under current law, they have the advantage of allowing users to check the driver’s evaluation in advance, and they are widely used in some countries and regions.
Q: What are the advantages of introducing it in Tokyo?
Professor Kazuhiro Ota of Senshu University
AFrom a user’s perspective, the supply of cars will increase, making it easier to ride. The 2002 amendment to the Road Transport Act introduced competition to the taxi industry, and the number of taxis increased, but wages for crew members decreased, and the number of drivers continued to decline due to the decline in passengers due to the coronavirus pandemic, making taxis difficult to find. I did.
Q: What issues are you concerned about?
A Taxi companies may lose competition with ride-sharing and cease to exist. Public transportation taxis cannot refuse to ride without a valid reason, but ride sharing companies can intentionally not accept unprofitable applications. Leaving vehicle maintenance and driver labor management to individual drivers may also be a safety issue. In Tokyo, where public transportation including railways is abundant, not only the national government but also the Tokyo metropolitan government must carefully consider the role they want taxis and ride-sharing to play.
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