On October 1, 2021, a new public transportation service called "Airute" began operating in Minamihoro Town, Hokkaido. It is completely different from buses and taxis. Domingo was in charge of the design for this service, but before we introduce it, what exactly is new about this "Airute"?

"Cabetch-kun" is the lively mascot of Nanporo Town.

In fact, this "Air Route" does not have a route map or timetable like a bus. And within Minamihoro Town, they will operate anywhere, anywhere, just like a taxi. This is made possible by the AI system. Let's take a look at the process from booking onwards. Users first make a reservation by phone or online and then tell the destination.

Reservation call center

After that, the AirTour arrives. Once you board, the bus will take you to your destination. However, if there are other people heading in the same direction at the same time, you will be able to share the ride.

Cabbage-kun getting on board

In other words, when multiple users apply for "Airute," AI calculates the route between the boarding point and the destination, and automatically selects the optimized route. This means that the boarding point and destination are not tied to a bus stop, and because it is a shared ride, it does not cost as much as taking a taxi alone. (The fare for "Airute" is 300 yen for adults and high school students and above, 100 yen for elementary and junior high school students, and free for preschool children.)

Route-optimized maps displayed inside the car

Minamihoro Town is the first local government in Hokkaido to introduce this system. Until now, a circular bus operated in Nanporo Town three times a day on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but it had issues with the number of users being fixed and the time it took to reach the destination. With the introduction of this "Airute," people will be able to go to "Nanporo Onsen" whenever they want, and it seems that there will be no need to take their children to and from school club activities.

For the time being, each flight will be limited to five passengers

The trunk is spacious for storing luggage.

In fact, this "Airute" train had been undergoing test runs before October 1st. Here are some comments from townspeople who actually rode the train. And this "Airute" will be collaborating with Domingo to design the body of the car! With the hope that "children will never forget the scenery of Nanporo Town," the mascot of Nanporo Town, "Cabecchi-kun," and Domingo's Planning Department Manager, "Rabbit Yukine," are depicted enjoying the scenery of the town and the town flower, azalea, together. The two cars each have a different design, which was decided in advance by a vote of local elementary and junior high school students. Minamihoro Town's "Airute" is expected to help solve the town's transportation problems. I hope that the designs we created at Domingo will become a beloved presence in the town for a long time to come!