Optibus has been selected to participate in the X-Hub Tokyo Inbound Mobility Program, run by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and operated by Deloitte Japan.
The company says the X-Hub acceleration initiative will help it grow business opportunities in the Japanese capital.
Hiroshi Oshima, Japan country manager for Optibus says: "I look forward to strengthening relations with local partners and helping local public transportation operators to streamline their processes and provide more sustainable services using Optibus technology solutions."
Optibus has been expanding its footprint in Japan's public transport market, using its routing and scheduling software to add stops and timepoints on the map and to create timetables, creating "more equitable, accessible routes".
The company also has an EV Scheduling solution to help fleets create integrated and optimal operational and charging plans.
It says the country faces several challenges, including driver shortages, which has led the government to set new regulations to improve drivers’ working conditions.
An ageing population "also requires the redesign of existing networks to better fit their needs" and Japan has also committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 26% by 2030 (from 2013 levels), under the UN Climate Change Convention.
The Japanese government is also promoting the development of innovative technologies that will enable the country to contribute to the global reduction of CO2 to 'Beyond Zero' by 2050 - and Optibus says sustainable solutions in public transport "will play a crucial role in achieving these targets".
