Tokyo's taxi industry undergoing some radical changes

Funny, I still think the new 'JPN Taxi' is painted black and not indigo. Even in this news story, the taxi looks black in the image provided. When I first saw them months ago I thought they were on a 'test loan' from the UK and said to the group I was with, "look a London black cab". Good to see that these cabs will be showing up in larger numbers soon. Great for those with accessibility requirements and I'm sure they will also come in handy for some 'shopping' trips as well.

wondr if the yak still get a big slice?

still charging over $6 a kilo complete rip off business just like the farming industry here. Uber is here but its just a worthless app that calls one of these taxis...

Words "Japan" and "radical" are not compatible.

I would LOVE to see Toyota develop a version of the new JPN Taxi specifically for the US market. The new taxis in New York City based on the Nissan NV200 commercial van is just way too big a vehicle for a taxi, in my opinion.

In my experience 90% of the taxi' I take home. (only on really rainy days) are poorly trained and have no idea where I live.

I live in the tallest mansion in the area.

It is "the" designated evacuation building for my area.

It is a 5 minute walk from the station. (I never use umbrellas...rainy days only)

There is no excuse for them not to know...but most don't and I have to give directions.

So...who should pay who. Me, for the ride. Or, him for my training?

I actually caught a ride with him about 2 weeks ago. Nothing but a total gentleman.

I would like the authorities to check the gps in taxi companies, I am convinced they are manipulated and do not show the shortest route

Raymond Chang

The new taxis in New York City based on the Nissan NV200 commercial van is just way too big a vehicle for a taxi, in my opinion.

Way too big? The NV200 is only 7 inches longer than the Prius cabs, is shorter than the Camry cabs, narrower than either models it replaces while boasting several times the passenger/cargo capacity.

I the UK London taxi drivers have to undergo a strict test commonly known as "The knowledge" do taxi driver in Tokyo or Kyoto do the same thing?

UK London taxi drivers have to undergo a strict test commonly known as "The knowledge"

I watched a documentary about the process of becoming a taxi driver in London. It was a well-done documentary. I wish I could recall the name of it.

I the UK London taxi drivers have to undergo a strict test commonly known as "The knowledge" do taxi driver in Tokyo or Kyoto do the same thing?

I doubt it. I've been in cabs where Japanese born and raised drivers, have no idea where certain, fairly well known spots are. I'd think if you're driving around the same area day in and day out for years, you'd have some knowledge. Or at least learn to use GPS