Yamaha Motor is taking significant strides toward sustainable transportation with the launch of its 'Green Slow Mobility' service, marking a noteworthy foray for the company in Japan's quest for eco-friendly mobility solutions. Full operations of this service commenced on November 2024, aiming to provide accessible electric transportation within the densely populated districts of Tokyo.
Located primarily across the Suginami Ward, the initiative highlights the innovative spirit of Yamaha, renowned for its motorcycles and musical instruments, as it broadens its focus to encompass environmentally friendly transport systems. According to Yosuke Shibata, from the Suginami Ward's urban development department, "This is the first trial of the small electric vehicle service within Tokyo’s 23 wards," signifying its novelty and potential impact.
The 'Green Slow Mobility' service employs electric vehicles capable of operating at speeds under 20 km/h, making it suitable for short-distance urban transport. Daily, the initiative offers 24 trips connecting Ogikubo Station—Suginami’s major transit node—with popular green spaces such as Odaguro Park and Ogikubo Park—a historical site linked to former Prime Minister Fumimaro Konoe's residence.
Since the introduction of the service, approximately 87 passengers have utilized it daily, far exceeding initial expectations. "We want to positively promote this as a tourist attraction, but there were concerns about the distance and difficult routes for walking," Shibata added, emphasizing the service's dual role of enhancing tourism and easing local accessibility. Originally perceived as catering mainly to visitors, it has seen significant engagement from local residents too.
Some community members have expressed interest in extending the service's coverage, requesting additional routes to libraries and other key local attractions, and service expansion beyond the confines of Ogikubo. With burgeoning support, Suginami Ward is also launching its own mobility-as-a-service platform dubbed 'Chikakumo', integrating various travel services and hoping to tap fully on the benefits of the Green Slow Mobility initiative.
Commuters now benefit from affordable rides around the neighborhood and can travel for only 100 yen per ride. This small but meaningful fee supports the maintenance of the service, which also accepts children under school age for free. With positive media coverage and word of mouth amplifying awareness, the service is quickly gaining traction among the community members.
Looking toward the future, Shibata noted, "We hope to leverage data collected through the app to advance integrated mobility services to the next phase," stressing Yamaha’s commitment to continuously adapt and respond to commuter needs and preferences.
While the Green Slow Mobility initiative has only recently initiated its services, its growing acceptance among the local populace and its potential for future enhancements signal significant momentum for Yamaha Motor’s broader green mobility efforts. The amalgamation of innovation and community engagement may just pave the way for establishing more sustainable urban transport options, improving overall mobility convenience for all Tokyo residents.