Starting August 1, 2024, the 'Kyushu MaaS' service will launch across seven prefectures in Kyushu, Japan, providing integrated transportation, tourism, and accommodation information.
The app will allow users to search and book various transportation options, link to tourist information, and offer a convenient travel experience. The 'All Kyushu Pass' is expected to be particularly beneficial for foreign tourists.
Through collaboration between the public and private sectors, the service aims to be user-friendly. Promotion of the app is expected to contribute to the revitalization of the Kyushu region's transportation and tourism industries, as well as environmental protection.
Kyushu's seven prefectures' transportation operators have jointly developed a next-generation mobility service, "Kyushu MaaS," which will launch on August 1, 2024.
Kyushu MaaS is a service that provides reservation, payment, and digital ticketing services for public transportation in collaboration with land, sea, and air transportation operators and local governments in the Kyushu region. More than 80 companies and organizations are participating, and the service will begin on August 1st.
This service allows users to search for routes by combining various modes of transportation through an app. It also integrates with tourist and accommodation information, allowing users to check for delays and congestion information for each transportation provider. Notably, the "All Kyushu Pass," which offers unlimited use of railways, express buses, and city buses within the Kyushu region, is a new product specifically designed for inbound tourists, and is expected to enhance convenience.
At a press conference held on June 4th, governors from each Kyushu prefecture were present, and the logo for Kyushu MaaS was unveiled.
Junichi Kuratomi, Chairman of the Kyushu Economic Federation, stated, "We will strive to provide a convenient and easy-to-use service for both daily life and tourism through collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors (官民一体)."
Kyushu MaaS has launched its official website and social media channels in anticipation of the August 1st service launch. Going forward, participating companies will collaborate to promote app usage.
What is MaaS?
MaaS stands for "Mobility as a Service," which means "mobility as a service."
It is a next-generation transportation service that incorporates various technologies such as autonomous driving and AI into existing transportation methods and services.
MaaS first emerged in Sweden in the early 2010s and is currently expanding globally. In Japan, various regions are promoting the introduction of MaaS, and Kyushu MaaS is considered one of the leading MaaS services in the country.
Services offered by Kyushu MaaS
Kyushu MaaS offers the following services.
Integrated Search and Reservation for Various Modes of Transportation:Users can search and reserve various transportation methods within the Kyushu region, such as railways, buses, taxis, and flights, through the app.
Digital Tickets:Users can purchase tickets for each transportation provider through the app and use digital tickets instead of paper tickets.
Delay and Congestion Information:Users can check real-time delay and congestion information for each transportation provider.
Tourist Information:Provides tourist information and accommodation information within the Kyushu region.
Payment Function:Users can pay for transportation fares, tourist facility admission fees, and other expenses through the app.
Expected Effects of Kyushu MaaS
Kyushu MaaS is expected to bring about the following effects.
Improved Convenience:The ability to utilize a variety of transportation methods in an integrated manner through the app will make travel more convenient.
Tourism Promotion:Providing tourist information and accommodation booking functions within the Kyushu region is anticipated to aid in attracting tourists.
Regional Economic Revitalization:It is expected to contribute to the revitalization of the transportation and tourism industries in the Kyushu region.
Environmental Protection:Promoting the use of public transportation can contribute to reducing carbon emissions.
Kyushu MaaS is expected to significantly contribute to the development of the transportation and tourism industries in the Kyushu region. It is anticipated that the introduction of MaaS will expand to more regions in the future.