TOKYO, - (JCN Newswire) - NTT DOCOMO, INC. announced today that it will offer a call-center and taxi-dispatch cloud system that regional taxi operators can use jointly for streamlined operations leading to greater efficiency and reduced costs. To facilitate the initiative, DOCOMO's wholly owned subsidiary NTT DOCOMO Ventures has taken an equity stake in Denno Kotsu, Inc., the developer of a cloud-based unified-operations model for taxi companies. DOCOMO expects the service to help strengthen transportation options in regional areas of Japan, where senior citizens are increasing at a time when working populations are declining.

The efficiency of regional taxi services has become an issue as municipalities look to provide transportation for people unable to drive cars, particularly the elderly, as well as ensure the continuing availability of multiple transportation options for the general public.

Established in 2015, Denno Kotsu is a venture company based in Tokushima Prefecture that has developed a cloud-based call/dispatch system that regional taxi companies can use jointly for increased operational efficiency and cost reduction. The system collectively manages the vehicles of multiple taxi operators, enabling centralized operators to handle dispatches for multiple companies.

During the rest of this year, DOCOMO will field test its new service in regional municipalities. Eventually it expects to develop a solution for use nationwide. The initiative is one of many examples of how DOCOMO is leveraging mobile and other technologies to support regional areas with innovative ICT-based solutions.

Going forward, DOCOMO will continue working with Denno Kotsu and a wide range of other partners to solve pressing issues in society under its "Declaration Beyond" medium-term strategy to 2020.