Sojitz Corporation (“Sojitz”) will begin operation of a demand-based transportation service called “Choisoko Kawasaki” in Kanagawa Prefecture’s Kawasaki City starting from November 2, 2022. Sojitz’s business plan for a demand-based transportation service project was selected as a recipient of a subsidy from Kawasaki City and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT).

[Choisoko Kawasaki vehicles in operation]

The this demand-based, shared transportation service*¹will be carried out in collaboration with Kawasaki City to address existing transportation issues faced by the city. The service will be available within Kawasaki’s Musashi Kosugi area in Nakahara Ward and Takatsu Ward.

This new transportation service will utilize Aisin’s Choisoko system to formulate the most efficient route based on bookings. Additionally, users will be able to book rides by phone, online, and via the smartphone app, LINE.

Transportation services will be provided from stops in residential areas to neighborhood destinations such as train station shopping districts, bus stops, supermarkets, hospitals, and other local service spots. A new transportation council will be founded together with local businesses, private organizations, and NPOs in order to revitalize regional communities and establish an urban transport system with MaaS, which will provide local residents with first and last mile transport and contribute to urban development through transportation solutions.

Based on the user needs and boarding and alighting data collected from its transport business, Sojitz will utilize its expansive network as a general trading company along with cutting-edge IT technologies to offer new transport services for both people and goods. Through these efforts, Sojitz aims to build a business platform for regional revitalization and accelerate expansion of MaaS businesses.

*1: A transportation system without a fixed route that operates based on rider reservations.

[Related Information]

Overview of the Service

Period	Wednesday, November 2, 2022 –Monday ,February 27, 2023
Target region	Nakahara Ward (Musashi Kosugi） and selected areas of Takatsu Wardof Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Target users	Open to all ages (membership registration required)

For further information, please refer to the attachment.

[Related News Releases – Demand-based transportation services]
“Sojitz and Aisin Corporation begin Bento Box Delivery and monitoring service for Seniors.”
Sojitz Corp. Press release, 20 April 2021.
“Sojitz Begins Demand-based Transportation Services in Yotsukaido, Chiba.”
Sojitz Corp. Press release, 20 October 2021.

[Related News Releases – Kawasaki City]
“Sojitz Concludes Contract with Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture for Low-Carbon Material Recycling Model Study.”
Sojitz Corp. Press release, 5 November 2020.
“Sojitz to Begin “Pool Project Kawasaki,” a Verification Test Project for Efficient Collection and Recycling of Plastic Container Waste from Condominiums in Kawasaki City.”
Sojitz Corp. Press release, 8 February 2022.

[For questions regarding this press release, contact:]
Sojitz Corporation　Public Relations Dept.　+81－3－6871－3404