newmo, JR West, and JR West Rent-a-Car & Lease will conduct a pilot test of a new ride-matching method from August 20 to October 31, with an eye toward future connections between train stations and autonomous taxis.
A taxi stand exclusively for the “newmo” taxi app (Android/iOS versions) has been set up in front of the Station Rent-a-Car office on the first floor of JR Shin-Osaka Station. Users can make a reservation in advance via the smartphone app and, by providing the “reservation number” issued to them, immediately board the first taxi in line waiting at the stand. Unlike the traditional method, there is no need to wait for a specific designated vehicle to arrive; once you board, simply tell the driver your reservation number, and your destination will be automatically set.
The goal is to verify the effectiveness of this approach in alleviating congestion at high-demand station pickup locations, as well as to identify operational challenges that may arise when autonomous taxis are introduced in the future, with the aim of establishing a smooth coordination system between stations and taxis.
© Source travel watch