Travelers to Tokyo may be surprised to find their perceptions of the high-tech metropolis to be far from reality when it comes to the use of ride-hailing smartphone apps such as Uber and Lyft.
But two taxi companies are looking to bring Tokyo up to speed with its global peers by introducing separate cab-sharing apps in a bid to offer lower prices and attract new customers despite the shrinking market.
Taxis in Japan are known for their clean interiors and quality service. They are also known for their expensive fares — partially a result of tough regulations that have protected the industry and kept out new competitors like Uber. The San Francisco-based company's main car-hailing service is banned in Japan, where unlicensed, privately operated cars and drivers are forbidden.