Marubeni and Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture (Mayor: Nakayama Yoshitaka), will begin a Proof-of-Concept on the operation of demand-responsive transport connecting the northern district of Ishigaki City with the city center located in the south, with the aim of implementing commercial operation in the future.

Overview
Marubeni will work with Ishigaki City to conduct the operation of demand-responsive transport, which will provide door-to-door transportation between approximately 350 virtual bus stops. It will connect the northern district and the southern city center of Ishigaki City for a period of three months, from November 6, 2024 to February 5, 2025.

Background and Significance
In the northern district of Ishigaki City, securing a sufficient number of buses has become a significant issue due to a shortage of bus drivers, forcing residents to use their own cars despite the aging of the population. The development of a public transportation network is therefore an urgent issue. To solve this issue, Marubeni and Ishigaki City will start a demand-responsive transport system as a proof-of-concept, aiming to develop a sustainable transportation network (that will eventually include the use of autonomous driving technology) and thus contribute to revitalizing the region. The two partners will also monitor the changes in residents’ frequency of outings, consumer spending, happiness level, and other pertinent factors before and after the introduction of demand-responsive transport. The contribution of the network to enhancing the quality of life of residents will be quantitatively evaluated through joint research with the Taniguchi Lab., Department of Policy and Planning Sciences, Institute of Systems and Information Engineering, University of Tsukuba.

Future Outlook
Demand-responsive transport has attracted attention in recent years as a new type of transportation that combines the merits of a taxi and route buses, and is expected to contribute not only to revitalizing the region, but also to enhancing the quality of life of local residents. Based on the results of this proof-of-concept, Marubeni will aim to develop a new transportation system that combines demand-responsive transport and autonomous driving technology, aiming to develop a convenient mobility society in the future.