Osaka Urges Ride-Sharing Adoption Ahead of 2025 World Expo

Osaka Prefectural Assembly has drafted an urgent request for deregulation to allow 24-hour operation of ride-sharing services nationwide ahead of the 2025 Osaka-Kansai World Expo. This request is scheduled to be submitted to the Japanese government in August.

The "Japanese version of ride-sharing", which started in April 2023, is a system designed to alleviate taxi shortages, with designated operational areas, days, and times. In contrast, Osaka Prefecture is requesting the Japanese government to permit 24-hour operation nationwide and abolish vehicle number restrictions for one year from six months before the opening of the World Expo until its closing.

In the urgent request, the Osaka Prefectural Assembly emphasized the need for "smooth mobility and ride-sharing that suits Osaka's reality" to cope with the surge in transportation demand during the World Expo period. Furthermore, the Osaka Prefectural Assembly requested the Japanese government to provide opportunities for consultation with Osaka Prefecture.

Ride-sharing is a service where ordinary drivers transport passengers using their private vehicles, and it is expected to help solve taxi shortages. However, there are many challenges that need to be addressed, such as driver safety management, insurance issues, and conflicts with the taxi industry.

Osaka Prefecture is striving to successfully introduce ride-sharing during the World Expo period to provide a convenient and safe travel environment for both tourists and residents.