WILLER and KDDI jointly offer "mobi" service, a Flat-rate Unlimited Rides On-Demand Mobility Service

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―A joint venture to deliver new mobility experiences in solving social challenges―

  • KDDI CORPORATION
  • WILLER, Inc.

December 22,2021

KDDI CORPORATION and WILLER, Inc. will come together to jointly provide "mobi" service, a fixed rate unlimited rides, area on-demand service from January 2022.

The two companies will establish a joint venture named Community Mobility Co., Ltd. (WILLER 51%, KDDI 49%), with operations commencing from 1 April 2022. This strategic partnership demonstrates the strong synergies between the two companies in combining mobility services and communications to solve social and transport challenges in rural and urban areas. The joint venture is a lynchpin for scaling and expanding the innovative mobility service nationwide to provide new mobility experiences, and support digital transformation in the transportation industry.

mobi Community Mobility RESPECT YOU, au

Today, many young parents face challenges in transporting their children to and from school. Demand for short-distance transportation is also on the rise as more time is spent near home due to the paradigm behavioral shift brought about by the pandemic.

In addition, there has been an increase in the number of elderly who return their driving licenses, with the statistics number indicating a whopping eight times more when comparing 2020 to 2011 [Jump to the applicable section1]. Meanwhile every year, up to 1,000 km bus routes has to be discontinued in regional cities due to decrease in the number of users [Jump to the applicable section2]. With increasing anxiety over the lack of transportation means and freedom of mobility especially among the elderly, resolving transportation issues for a sustainable and inclusive urban development is pivotal.

WILLER has presented many innovative solutions by value adding and introducing IT marketing systems to current transportation services, including on buses and trains. Knowing how a lack of "one-mile" transportation service can be a setback in a connected and seamless social transportation system, WILLER launched the "mobi" in June 2021, a mobility service with unlimited rides within the "2 km radius from home" for the community.

As a telecommunications carrier, KDDI has been working on regional development using digital technology through KDDI Sustainable Action, in its SDGs initiatives towards 2030. With norms in transportation shifted due to digitalization, KDDI aims to connect with the local communities via mobility, based on the concept of "transforming mobility into exciting experiences."

Through this one-mile "mobi" transportation service, the two companies aim to solve regional transportation challenges by offering stress-free travel option, increase outing opportunities that create interactions among families and community, and contribute to the revitalization of neighborhoods and richer lifestyles.

For details, see the attached reference materials.

<Attachment>

■Service Overview

This service is a flat rate, unlimited rides area on-demand mobility service based on the concept of "community mobility" whereby people come together to connect, thus creating new communities. Vehicles can be dispatched via the app or phone call. The AI routing [Jump to the applicable section3] capability in the app determines the optimal route based on road and booking conditions so that customers can travel efficiently from pick-up location to the destination within the 2km radius service areas. As the service is operated by regular professional drivers, children and elderly can ride with a peace of mind.

Available to fulfil a wide variety of purposes, such as picking and dropping children off at tuition centers, grocery shopping at slightly further stores, for family members dining out together, and a means of transport for family members who do not have a driving license like children or elderly, mobi brings new value in transportation and provides mobility freedom for everyday travel.

The joint venture will develop services tailored to the needs of communities by leveraging on WILLER's unique IT marketing system and insights in transportation operations, together with KDDI's cooperation with local governments and data utilization know-hows. Collaborations with KidZania and other corporations by offering free transportation to and from their facilities are also in the plan.

1. Fees

30-Days Subscription PlanSingle-Ride

¥5,000

  • Up to 6 family members can be registered for an additional fee of ¥500 per person.
    Example: For a family of 3, the subscription fee will be ¥6,000 (¥2,000 per person).
  • For first-time users, a free 14-days trial is available.
 Adults: ¥300
Elementary school students and younger: ¥150
  • Plans may be updated or changed as per necessary.

2. How to Use

<From the App>

  • (1)

    Download the app and follow the instructions below to register your information.

    iPhone users: Open link in a new windowhttps://apps.apple.com/jp/app/willers-maas/id1471754821 (in Japanese only)
    android users: Open link in a new windowhttps://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.co.willer.maasapp (in Japanese only)

  • (2)
    Purchase a plan for your area from the menu.
  • (3)

    Book a vehicle by specifying pick-up and drop-off locations from the app.

    • Just tap a pin on the map to set the pick-up and drop-off points.
    • You can also book and ride with unregistered family members and friends via the additional single-ride payment.
    • The vehicle's location is available via the app, and you can reach out to the driver via the phone call or chat function.

App images example for mobi service

<App images example for mobi service>

<Book via phone call>

  • (1)
    Dial in to the call center (050-2018-0107).
  • (2)
    Follow the operator's instructions to register.
  • (3)
    Call to dispatch a vehicle when you need one (operation hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.).

3. Service Areas

Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi; Kyotango, Kyoto; Toshima-ku, Tokyo

  • Service scheduled to start in 2022 for Toshima-ku, Tokyo.
  • All prices are inclusive of tax unless stated otherwise.
  • The information contained in the news releases is current at the time of publication. Products, service fees,service content and specifications, contact information, and other details are subject to change without notice.