GO, together with the Kyoto Prefecture Taxi Association and 10 taxi operators, will offer its ride-sharing service, “GO Economy,” on the GO taxi app in the Kyoto area for a limited period.
The service area covers an approximately 4-kilometer zone linking the Karasuma Exit of Kyoto Station and the Higashiyama area, with 14 boarding and drop-off locations. These include the Karasuma Exit of Kyoto Station, Sanjusangendo, Chishaku-in Temple, Kiyomizu-dera Temple (Gojo-dori), Kiyomizu-dera Temple (Yasaka-dori), Kodai-ji Temple, Kiyomizu-gojo Station, and Yasaka Shrine. Kodai-ji Temple is available for drop-off only. The service will operate on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from November 1 to 29, between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Users can make arrangements by selecting their boarding and drop-off locations and preferred date and time from the “Economy” tab in the app. As seats are assigned, passengers are guaranteed a seat. Fares are approximately half the cost of regular taxi fares and pickup charges (for one seat, based on the pre-confirmed fare calculation method). The second seat is priced lower than the first. Payment is made through GO Pay, which confirms the fare at the time of booking.
The 10 participating operators will provide 122 vehicles: Aoi Jidosha, Koshin Taxi, Tokyo/Nihon Kotsu, Toba Miyako Taxi, Higashi Miyako Kotsu, Minami Yasaka Kotsu, Miyako Taxi, Mobility Next, Yasaka Motor, and Rakuyo Koun. Large wagon vehicles, including Toyota Alphards and Nissan Serenas, capable of carrying up to five passengers, will be used. By transporting multiple groups of passengers at the same time, the service is also expected to help ease road congestion.
The initiative is part of a demonstration project by the Kyoto Prefecture Taxi Association to develop a tourism transportation model, utilizing the Japan Tourism Agency’s demonstration program aimed at creating a model for tourism transportation measures using taxis. This fiscal year, GO Economy was newly adopted in addition to the conventional fixed-fare shared taxi service.
As the service involves sharing a vehicle with other users, passengers are asked to refrain from making phone calls, taking photos or videos, and eating or drinking inside the vehicle. Passengers may bring only one piece of luggage small enough to be placed on their lap. Vehicles will depart at the scheduled departure time, and a cancellation fee equal to the full fare will be charged even if a passenger is unable to board.
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