Optibus, an AI-powered software platform used for planning and operating public transportation in 2,000 cities worldwide, has been selected to participate in the X-Hub Tokyo Inbound Mobility Program, run by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and operated by Deloitte Japan.
“ It is a great honor to be part of such a great opportunity. I hope that with this program, we will move one step closer to our expansion and commitment to Japan. I look forward to strengthening relations with local partners and helping local public transportation operators to streamline their processes and provide more sustainable services using Optibus technology solutions,” said Hiroshi Oshima, Country Manager of Japan at Optibus
Following the appointment of the country manager, Hiroshi Oshima, Optibus has been expanding its footprint in Japan and has been expanding its position in the public transport market.
Japan: Public Transport Challenges
The public transportation sector in Japan faces several challenges and tackling them has required governmental reforms. For example, driver shortages have led the government to set new regulations to improve drivers’ working conditions. The rise of the aging population also requires the redesign of existing networks to better fit their needs.
Challenges of climate change have also led the country to set certain targets. Japan has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 26% by 2030 (from 2013 levels), under the UN Climate Change Convention. Additionally, the Japanese government is promoting the development of innovative technologies that will enable the country to contribute to the global reduction of CO2 to “Beyond Zero “, by 2050. Providing sustainable solutions in public transport will play a crucial role in achieving these targets.
How to Improve Public Transport With Optibus
Optibus’ technology contributes to the efforts of public transport operators to tackle such challenges, while increasing efficiency and service quality, promoting transportation equity, reducing emissions and costs, and modernizing their operations.
Tackling Driver Shortages
Optibus’ Scheduling solution enables schedulers to tailor rosters to drivers' unique needs and preferences to address major challenges, such as reducing fatigue and increasing the long-term retention of drivers. Through more flexible scheduling, schedulers can accommodate not just union rules and regulations (for things such as break times and overtime) but also drivers’ availability, work-life balance, and personal constraints.
Improving Efficiency & Reducing Costs
With Optibus Planning, operators can easily plan, analyze, and optimize their entire network with unprecedented speed and accuracy, and create more equitable, accessible routes. From adding stops and timepoints on the map, to creating timetables, Optibus’ planning product offers a holistic solution for all strategic and operational planning needs; improving visibility and efficiency across the organization.
Supporting EV Fleet Scheduling
Having an EV fleet presents a significant planning and scheduling challenge that requires elements such as charging times, charging location, and battery levels to be taken into account. Optibus' EV Scheduling solution takes such EV-specific metrics into account to create the most integrated and optimal operational and charging plan.
Making Public Transportation Better
Optibus provides holistic solutions for Japanese public operators and contributes to their efforts to reduce costs and increase operational efficiency, while also providing a service that truly matches the “supply” to the “demand” of passengers.
Supported also by the X-Hub acceleration program, Optibus will continue to grow its business opportunities in Tokyo and fulfill its mission of helping local bus operators make public transportation better and more accessible.
About Optibus
Optibus is an end-to-end, cloud-native software platform for public transportation planning, scheduling, rostering, and operations, powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and optimization algorithms. Transportation agencies and operators in more than 2,000 cities worldwide trust Optibus to increase efficiency and service quality, promote transportation equity, reduce emissions and costs, and modernize their operations. Learn more.
If you’d like to find out more about Optibus and explore how our platform can help you streamline and enhance your public transportation offering and processes, we welcome you to book an exclusive, one-on-one demo with one of our experts.
