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2025-02-12
Kasuya Town in Fukuoka Prefecture has entered into a partnership with Nishitetsu (Nishi-Nippon Railroad), JR Kyushu, and Next Mobility to strengthen secondary transportation options. This collaboration aims to improve connectivity between key destinations, including railway stations, bus stops, hospitals, and commercial facilities.
Next Mobility, a joint venture between Mitsubishi Corporation and Nishitetsu, specializes in AI-powered on-demand transportation services, such as the “Noruto” system. Currently, Kasuya Town operates a “Fureai Bus” service, which follows fixed routes. However, the town plans to transition to on-demand transportation and expand its number of bus stops to over 150, doubling the current amount.
The
Summary:
Kasuya Town in Fukuoka Prefecture has formed a partnership with Nishitetsu, JR Kyushu, and Next Mobility to enhance its transportation system. The focus is on improving secondary transportation connections, linking important destinations such as stations, bus stops, hospitals, and commercial facilities. Next Mobility, known for its AI-powered on-demand transportation services, will play a significant role in this project. Kasuya currently runs a fixed-route “Fureai Bus” service but plans to transition to an on-demand model and increase the number of bus stops to over 150. Mayor Akira Hakoda expressed his vision for making Kasuya a more convenient and livable town, working toward city status.
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The transition to on-demand services, powered by artificial intelligence, marks a shift away from traditional fixed-route transportation models. AI-enabled on-demand systems like Next Mobility’s “Noruto” have the potential to streamline operations by adjusting routes based on real-time demand. This not only increases the efficiency of the transportation system but also reduces unnecessary costs, as buses and vehicles will no longer need to operate empty or on underused routes.
By doubling the number of bus stops and expanding its transportation network, Kasuya Town is aiming to provide more flexible and accessible options for residents. The of a comprehensive, demand-responsive service could attract new businesses, encourage tourism, and make commuting more convenient, which are all steps toward achieving the town’s goal of becoming a city.
The move to on-demand transport is also timely, given the aging population in many rural and suburban areas of Japan. Traditional public transport systems can struggle to meet the needs of older residents or those who live in more dispersed locations. On-demand transport could provide a solution to this by offering greater flexibility and a more tailored service that can adapt to the community’s changing needs.
Moreover, the collaboration with private companies like Mitsubishi and Nishitetsu reflects the growing role of public-private partnerships in infrastructure development. In the past, such projects may have been primarily funded and operated by the government, but today, private sector innovation is seen as a key driver of modernizing transportation networks.
From a broader perspective, this partnership highlights the importance of integrating smart transportation solutions in urban planning. With the world moving toward smarter cities, incorporating AI and other technologies into public transport systems can help improve mobility, reduce congestion, and contribute to more sustainable urban growth.
In conclusion, Kasuya Town’s initiative offers an exciting glimpse into the future of public transport in Japan. By embracing new technologies and innovative approaches, the town is not only addressing immediate transportation needs but also positioning itself as a forward-thinking municipality that could serve as a model for other regions aiming to modernize their infrastructure. As more local governments look to improve their transportation systems, Kasuya’s success with on-demand AI services will likely serve as a case study for similar projects nationwide.
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Reported By: Xtech.nikkei.com_5b262c22c22d2d8364e01a6b
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