Hakuba Village Runs 2nd Experiment of AI On-Demand Shared Taxi Concept with SWAT Mobility

Background

This summer, the Hakuba area anticipates a recovery in the number of domestic tourists to pre-COVID levels. To cater to this demand, a new service called "Hakuba Summer Demand Taxi" will be introduced and tested. This decision comes after the first successful operation of the "Hakuba Night Demand Taxi (HND)" during the previous winter season (December 2022 to February 2023).

As part of this demonstration experiment, SWAT will provide the Hakuba Summer Demand Taxi App (HND), an exclusive operational app for Hakuba Village. The app incorporates a dynamic routing algorithm, patented in Singapore and Japan, that efficiently utilizes a minimal number of vehicles to transport a large number of passengers based on travel demand. This ensures convenient transportation for sightseeing in Hakuba Village during the summer season. Furthermore, by continuously analyzing and improving the collected travel data using 30 operational indicators, our aim is to create optimal services that align with the demand and optimize public transportation in Hakuba Village.

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How it Works

Passengers are required to make a booking though the "Hakuba Summer Demand Taxi" for trips between designated stops. These stops are strategically placed near transportation hubs (such as bus terminals and stations), ski resorts, supermarkets, as well as restaurant and hotel areas.

Unlike traditional fixed schedules and routes, the AI-powered system dynamically calculates the most convenient route and selects the appropriate vehicle to pick passengers up from their chosen stop. As a shared ride service, it is possible for the vehicle to pick up other passengers along the way to their respective destinations.

The fleets are served by multiple transportation operators, with their drivers utilizing SWAT’s driver app to access passenger pick up and drop off details efficiently.

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2022 Hakuba Night Demand Taxi Demonstration Experiment Results

The Hakuba Night Demand Taxi (HND), operated by Hakuba Village last winter (December 2022 to February 2023), received an overwhelmingly positive response. With a large number of subscribers, high operational efficiency, and excellent service satisfaction, it proved to be a convenient and reliable transportation option, greatly enhancing the vibrancy of Hakuba Village. Building upon these successful results, the decision was made to operate the service for a second time during the upcoming summer season.

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Project Overview

Demonstration period: July 1, 2023 to September 30, 2023 (Operates only on Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays)

Operating hours: 8:00 to 17:00

Service area: Hakuba Village

How to use: App "Hakuba Summer Demand Taxi App (HND)"

About this project implementation: The implementing body of this project is a collaborative body composed of multiple entities, including transportation operators, and the operators who participated in last winter's demonstration operation will collaborate as "Challenge Hakuba".

Website: Hakuba Village Homepage‍

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