The National Governors' Association has exchanged opinions with executives from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism regarding the ``ride-sharing'' service, in which ordinary drivers use private cars to transport people for a fee, and is developing a system that is tailored to local conditions, such as urban areas and mountainous areas. We confirmed our policy to operate flexibly.
Ride-sharing services will begin this month in some areas, including Tokyo and Kanagawa Prefecture, on the condition that they are managed by taxi companies.
Regarding ride sharing, Governor Murai of Miyagi Prefecture, who serves as the chairman of the National Governors' Association, and Governor Hirai of Tottori Prefecture, vice chairman, visited the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism on the 5th and exchanged opinions on how to operate the system.
In this regard, the governor expressed the opinion that consideration should be given to the differences in aging rates and transportation conditions such as railways between large cities such as Tokyo, regional prefectural capitals, and mountainous areas.
In response, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has recognized that the system needs to be operated flexibly according to local circumstances.
Additionally, in connection with the government's discussion towards June this year regarding ride-sharing services conducted by parties other than taxi operators, the Governor's Association called for careful discussion with the premise of ensuring safety.
After the exchange of views, Governor Murai told reporters, ``We were able to share a common awareness of the issue of responding flexibly to local transportation issues that are occurring across the country.However, safety comes first when enacting new legislation.'' We should not proceed hastily."