GO will start a new carpool service called ‘GO SHUTTLE’ in the Tokyo Bay area, including Toyosu, Shin-Toyosu, Ariake, Shinonome, Harumi, Kachidoki, and Tsukishima, as well as towards Tokyo Station, Yurakucho Station, and Shinbashi Station, starting from December 11th.
The service area covers approximately 400 pickup and drop-off spots, allowing users to book from 2 days up to 25 minutes before their desired date and time. The fare is set in advance, regardless of the number of passengers, at about 50 to 60 percent of a regular taxi fare.
Departure is as scheduled, and if a passenger fails to board, a full cancellation fee of the fare is charged. In principle, changes to the drop-off location are not allowed, and the service includes unique features like a seat assignment logic that considers boarding order, privacy ensured by all vehicles being captain-seat types, and rules prohibiting in-car phone calls, photography, and eating or drinking. Only one small item that can fit on your lap is allowed for carriage.
Nihon Kotsu’s subsidiary, Hello Tokyo, operates the service with the cooperation of about 15 minivan-style vehicles that can carry up to 5 passengers, and around 100 part-time drivers. Operating hours are from 7 am to around 10 pm on weekdays, and from 7 am to around 2 pm on weekends and holidays, with no service during late-night hours.
‘GO’, a taxi hailing app, has been in service since September 2020 and is available in all 47 prefectures across Japan.
