[Inbound] Japan’s first “car sharing program for interpreter-guides” is born, Japan Guide Agency adopts Japan’s largest car sharing service “Times Car” to support guiding operations using car sharing
JGA Corporation Press release: November 7, 2024 Japan’s first “car sharing program for interpreter-guides” is born, and Japan Guide Agency adopts Japan’s largest car sharing service “Times Car” to support guiding operations using car sharing. Japan’s largest guide matching platform for foreign visitors to Japan has adopted Japan’s largest car sharing service “Times Car” and has started supporting guide operations using car sharing.
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interpreters and guides registered with Japan Guide Agency can register as Times Car members in advance and have access to
approximately 50,000 of the approximately 19,000 stations nationwide that Times Car deploys to carry out their guiding duties. vehicles will be available. Times Car, an unmanned service, is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and is convenient because all procedures from reservation to use and return can be completed with just a smartphone, making it compatible with guide work that occurs irregularly for each request. is a high quality service. Through this initiative, we will create an environment where more
interpreter-guides can safely carry out “guidance work that involves passenger transportation,” leading to the revitalization of tourism throughout Japan, especially in rural areas that suffer from secondary transportation problems. I’m coming. ■Background of providing car share program Lifting of ban on passenger transport by interpreter guides Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism notification in March 2024: “Guidelines regarding transportation that does not require permission or registration under the Road
Transportation Act” was announced, and since then, it has become possible for interpreter guides to transport guests in their cars as part of their guiding duties, as long as they do not receive compensation for the purpose of transportation. However, even after interpreter guides were allowed to transport passengers, the current situation is that the use of vehicles by interpreter guides has not progressed. *Previously, even if a guide holds a license as an interpreter-guide, it was prohibited for paid guides to transport guests in the car they were driving themselves as a “white taxi” act. If passenger transportation was required, it was necessary to separately arrange a taxi or bus and carry out guide duties, even if it was expensive. Use of vehicle by interpreter-guide who does not proceed Even after interpreters and guides were allowed to transport passengers, the reasons why the use of vehicles by interpreters and guides has not progressed include a sense of refusal to use private cars, the complexity of arranging rental cars, and the need to respond in the event of an accident. This may include concerns about the scope of compensation. The “Car Share Program for Interpreters and Guides” allows even those who have difficulty using their own cars for guiding duties to perform guiding duties that involve passenger transportation using the Times Car. In addition, in addition to the fact that Times Car already has comprehensive insurance in place, the service fee includes insurance premiums in the usage fee, so there is no need to sign up for new insurance, and interpreters and guides can feel safe and secure. You can work as a guide. Through this initiative, we will create an environment where more interpreter-guides can safely carry out “guidance work that involves passenger transportation,” leading to the revitalization of tourism throughout Japan, especially in rural areas that suffer from secondary transportation problems. I’m coming. ■How to use the “Car sharing program for interpreter-guides” The “Car Sharing Program for Guide Interpreters” is available to all guides who are registered with Japan Guide Agency. *Vehicles can also be used for tours organized by companies other than Japan Guide Agency. ・Japan Guide Agency Click here for guide registration form
https://www.j-g-a.org/guide-register.html ■About JGA Corporation https://www.j-g-a.org/ JGA Corporation operates Japan Guide Agency, Japan’s largest interpreter-guide matching platform for foreign visitors to Japan, with approximately 850 registered
guide-interpreters. We boast an average of over 1,500 matches per month and provide private guided tours for foreign visitors to Japan in 47 prefectures nationwide. Shizuoka Prefecture Governor Registered Travel Agency No. 2-706 Location: 25-7 Ishibe, Suruga Ward, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture Representative: Kazunari Fujiwara, Representative Director Founded: March 2013 Business details: Operation of “Japan Guide Agency”, an interpreter guide matching service for foreigners visiting Japan URL: https://www.j-g-a.org/ ■Overview of car sharing service “Times Car” (as of the end of September 2024) Based on the concepts of “Midica,” “Great Value,” and “Benefits,” we are Japan’s largest car sharing service with 19,771 stations and 50,862 vehicles in 47 prefectures. The ease of use, which can be used in as little as 15 minutes 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, has been praised and is currently used by approximately 2.97 million members. URL: https://share.timescar.jp/ ■Contact information regarding this matter JGA Corporation Public Relations:
Matsubara/Tsujikawa E-mail: booking@j-g-a.org TEL: 050-8887-5341