Japan to lift ride-sharing ban to support rural transportation

members of a taxi industry labor union staged a demonstration in Tokyo's Kasumigaseki district

If the government responds to this protest- next member of public have to launch a protest against overpriced taxis- cut your rates in half.

The countryside here could really use Uber or Lyft. Some of the geriatrics on the roads here shouldn't be anywhere near being behind the wheel. They NEED inexpensive and convenient alternatives. Taxis are definitely not cheap.

@JJ Jetplane

Learn to negotiate-you are getting ripped off!

About time Japan took a step into the 21st century! Of course, they wouldn't go forward until the taxi companies -- ie. mafia -- got in on it.

I live in the countryside and the majority of my neighbours are old. They can’t drive and the nearest supermarket/hospital is 2 JR stations away. Our local train station doesn’t have a lift or elevator. Many of my neighbours cant climb or descend the steps, especially with their shopping. They have no choice but to use a taxi. It is around ¥3000 return.

Incrediulous the government was stopping ride sharing - something that's been promoted for years by forward thinking responsible governments making serious efforts at tackling CO2 emissions and car conjestion.

This is huge news. Sure it will take money out of some taxi driver's pockets and that is unfortunate; however, the taxi costs in Japan are outrages and the fact that many places in Kansai find it hard to have a taxi that accepts credit cards makes this a huge win for customers such as myself.

I am tired of a late night 15 minute taxi costing ￥6,000 and the difficulty in sometimes finding a taxi that accepts credit cards. While this won't happen in major cities just yet, a foot in the door is all they need to see the success and convenience it brings. I look forward to future changes.

Good news! Taxi companies obviously always oppose these services, but in this case, one has to believe that it is necessary. Me thinks their protests are reflexive in nature, because they are afraid that this will lead to further relaxation of regulations on ride sharing services in the future.

"The involvement of taxi operators will benefit both municipalities and service users" as it will lessen local governments' burden in running ride-sharing operations while enhancing users' convenience in areas where there are not enough drivers, Abe said.

"It will also ensure no real competition to taxi operators," he later added.