Archive · 16 Jan 2026
Uber Expands in Rural Japan
Uber, a big ride-sharing company, is trying to grow in Japan, especially in smaller towns.
Japan has strict rules, but recently, some areas like Kaga have allowed Uber to operate.
The town of Kaga has fewer people and more elderly residents who need transportation.
Uber hopes to help by providing more ride options.
The CEO of Uber, Dara Khosrowshahi, visited Kaga to see how the service is working.
The town's mayor and some residents are happy with Uber, but many older people are not used to using smartphone apps.
Uber and local officials are working to teach people how to use the service.
Uber has started operating in rural areas of Japan, such as Kaga, due to recent deregulation.
The service aims to address transportation needs in declining rural populations with fewer drivers.
Uber's CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi, visited Kaga to assess the service's progress.
Local officials and Uber are working to educate residents, especially the elderly, on using the app.
Monthly rides in Kaga have increased from 100 to 300 since Uber's launch.
- Who
- Uber and its CEO Dara Khosrowshahi
- What
- Expansion of Uber's ride-sharing service in rural Japan
- When
- Started operations in 2024
- Where
- Kaga, Japan, and other rural areas
- Why
- To address transportation needs in declining rural populations
- Company
- Uber
- Location
- Kaga, Japan
- Population
- 60,000
- Initial Monthly Rides
- 100
- Current Monthly Rides
- 300
- Year of Operation Start
- 2024
- CEO
- Dara Khosrowshahi