With a shortage of taxis leaving many of Japan's cities in a bind, local authorities hope a new central government rule that involves lifting a ban on ride-hailing services in populated areas could give the country's regions an economic boost, although questions remain about the scheme's viability.Effective April 8, the new rule allows non-professional drivers to use their own private vehicles to transport passengers for a fee in the Tokyo metropolitan area and vicinities, the Keihin area centered on Yokohama, and Kyoto and Nagoya cities.Provided they are under the management of a local tax…READ FULL ARTICLE
