DOCOMO to Offer Cloud-based Call/Dispatch Solution for Regional Taxi Services

NTT DOCOMO, INC. announced today that it will offer a call-center and taxi-dispatch cloud system that regional taxi operators can use jointly for streamlined operations leading to greater efficiency and reduced costs. To facilitate the initiative, DOCOMO’s wholly owned subsidiary NTT DOCOMO Ventures has taken an equity stake in Denno Kotsu, Inc., the developer of a cloud-based unified-operations model for taxi companies. DOCOMO expects the service to help strengthen transportation options in regional areas of Japan, where senior citizens are increasing at a time when working populations are declining.

The efficiency of regional taxi services has become an issue as municipalities look to provide transportation for people unable to drive cars, particularly the elderly, as well as ensure the continuing availability of multiple transportation options for the general public.

Established in 2015, Denno Kotsu is a venture company based in Tokushima Prefecture that has developed a cloud-based call/dispatch system that regional taxi companies can use jointly for increased operational efficiency and cost reduction. The system collectively manages the vehicles of multiple taxi operators, enabling centralized operators to handle dispatches for multiple companies.

During the rest of this year, DOCOMO will field test its new service in regional municipalities. Eventually it expects to develop a solution for use nationwide. The initiative is one of many examples of how DOCOMO is leveraging mobile and other technologies to support regional areas with innovative ICT-based solutions.

Going forward, DOCOMO will continue working with Denno Kotsu and a wide range of other partners to solve pressing issues in society under its “Declaration Beyond” medium-term strategy to 2020.

NTT DOCOMO, Japan’s leading mobile operator with over 76 million subscriptions, is one of the world’s foremost contributors to 3G, 4G and 5G mobile network technologies. Beyond core communications services, DOCOMO is challenging new frontiers in collaboration with a growing number of entities (“+d” partners), creating exciting and convenient value-added services that change the way people live and work. Under a medium-term plan toward 2020 and beyond, DOCOMO is pioneering a leading-edge 5G network to facilitate innovative services that will amaze and inspire customers beyond their expectations. DOCOMO is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (9437). https://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/english/.

NTT DOCOMO Ventures, the NTT Group’s corporate venture capital firm, aims to accelerate innovation for creation of new services, disruptive technologies and innovative processes serving as a primary channel for startup companies and venture communities on behalf of the NTT Group, Japan’s leading ICT service provider. We proactively enhance cooperation with exceptional entrepreneurs on a worldwide scale by providing capital from our corporate venture funds and vast business development opportunities with the NTT Group companies. www.nttdocomo-v.com/en/

Denno Kotsu is a venture company based in Tokushima Prefecture, Japan that uses IT to help small and midsize regional taxi companies improve their operational efficiency to deal with labor shortages. Established in 2015, Denno Kotsu offers a cloud-based taxi dispatch system and cloud-based taxi call-center service for streamlined dispatch operations. This system uses a cloud-based platform to collectively manage multiple taxi operators and provide drivers with navigation maps via vehicle-mounted tablets. The cost-saving, customized and efficient dispatch solution improves satisfaction for drivers and customers alike. Denno Kotsu is committed to meeting the transportation needs of regional communities by using technology to create next-generation regional transportation services.