Toyota to Trial i-ROAD Sharing Service in Japan

Starting in April, Park24 Co. Ltd. and Toyota Motor Co. will launch a pilot carsharing program in Tokyo.

According to a press release from Toyota, the pilot program will use the Toyota i-ROAD, a three-wheeled electric vehicle, and Park24’s “Time Car Plus” sharing service.

During the trial, which will run from April 10 through September, the companies will gather usage data and user feedback to assess the ease of use, user activity patterns and receptiveness to new mobility systems, according to the press release.

The vehicles will be available for pickup from the Times Station at Yurakucho ITOCiA and can be returned to one of five locations at Tokyo Tower, Asakusa, Odaiba Palette Town, Tokyo Dome City or Yurakucho ITOCiA.

Prior to rental, users can check availability, make reservations and complete required i-Road training courses online. The service will cost approximately $3.40 for 15 minutes, with a maximum usage period of two and a half hours.