26-04-2025
Mayor in Japan's Beppu volunteers as driver for new ride service for inbound tourists
BEPPU, Oita -- The mayor of this hot spring resort city proposed himself as a driver for a regional ride-sharing service, in which regular drivers transport inbound tourists for a fee.
At a regular press conference on April 23, Beppu Mayor Yasuhiro Nagano said, "I want to contribute to boosting the number of Beppu fans by taking the wheel even for an hour a day."
As inbound tourism demand grows, Beppu is facing a shortage of taxis and buses used by foreign visitors. To address this, the municipality will introduce the "Yukemuri Ride-sharing Global" service using a system that allows regular drivers to provide paid transportation under the control of the local government and other bodies.
A trial will begin April 28, with the city aiming to recruit 100 drivers. Nagano expressed enthusiasm, stating, "I want to hear tourists' opinions directly. I will try to reduce the number of people who have unpleasant experiences when they come to Beppu."
(Japanese original by Taiki Yamaguchi, Oita Bureau)
