OSAKA - A next-generation taxi depot has opened in Morinomiya, Osaka, an area undergoing large-scale redevelopment, marking a bid to help Japan catch up in AI-driven dispatch and autonomous driving.
The Morinomiya depot is operated by Yumeshima Kotsu, a newly established taxi company founded by mobility firm newmo, and began full operations on the day of the opening. The facility features an open-plan, flat-floor office more reminiscent of an IT startup than a traditional taxi depot, reflecting its focus on digitalization and efficiency.
The building, which was converted from a former pachinko parlor, has no interior walls, creating an airy workspace. Drivers’ alcohol checks are managed digitally using tablets, while taxi reservations are handled through a proprietary system that uses AI to determine the most efficient vehicle dispatch.
The company is also placing strong emphasis on the future rollout of autonomous taxis. Footage filmed last month in China shows fully driverless taxis operating routinely on city streets, highlighting the gap Japan currently faces in adopting such technology.
Using the Morinomiya depot as a base, Yumeshima Kotsu aims to take the lead by introducing AI-powered dispatch systems and autonomous vehicles ahead of competitors, positioning itself as a driving force in modernizing Japan’s taxi industry.
A company representative said the goal is to fundamentally evolve the business model of taxi operations, adding that by steadily advancing these reforms, the taxi sector has the potential to expand far beyond its current scale.
Source: Television OSAKA NEWS
