The “Niseko Model” For More Taxis Is Working

This winter, a public/private sector collaboration called “The Niseko Model” brought more taxis and drivers to the Niseko area, and the results of its first month are in.

From 11 December to 12 January, as reported by The Hokkaido Shimbun, 6,134 rides were provided with the new service, of which about 5,300 were with foreign visitors.

“The Niseko Model” is a four-month collaboration between the Hokkaido Transportation Bureau, the associated Hokkaido Hire Association, Kutchan Town, Niseko Town, and the private GO Corporation, a ride-hailing application created by the Tokyo-based taxi company, Nihon Kotsu.

25 drivers and 11 vehicles (an increase over the initially-planned 10) were brought into Niseko for the season from Sapporo and Tokyo.

As the drivers are housed in the area, those using the service through the GO App pay a JPY900 “sightseeing” surcharge in addition to the taxi fare to cover the model’s overhead.

The average fare for rides under The Niseko Model is about JPY2,900, including the surcharge.

Although the taxi situation has improved, it can still be difficult to find a taxi during busy times, like the mornings and later afternoons when there is a lot of traffic between hotels and the ski lifts.

It is expected that The Niseko Model will be continued next year.

Source:
The Hokkaido Shimbun – 8 February 2024

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