Creating new products and services
with digital technology

Against the backdrop of social issues, such as a shortage of labor due to a decline in the working-age population, the company has also been working to introduce GOA2.5 (GOA with Attendant), in which attendants other than drivers ride in the lead car, with the aim of solving the future shortage of drivers. From July 2022, we began preparations for automatic train operation tests using a system that combines the Automatic Train Stop (ATS-PN) system currently in use with a newly developed Advanced Automatic Train Operation (ATO) system. In August 2023, we began running tests on the Wakayamako Line.

In addition to verifying the safety and stability of the system and identifying issues with the tasks performed by attendants during automated driving, the driving tests also aim to reduce CO2 emissions through energy-saving driving and other measures. We have also established the GOA 2.5 Automated Driving Study Committee, which is made up of experts, and are evaluating safety based on the test results.

This approach makes it possible to ensure safety by utilizing existing facilities, while also reducing investment costs and improving cost-effectiveness, so it is possible to sustainably operate the railway business into the future. We also believe that this model case can be used as a reference for regional routes, where the shortage of conductors is even more serious, and that it can contribute to the promotion of automated driving in the railway industry.

We have been working on various initiatives, such as the operation of the minapita point service and the release of the Namba Marutto App, with the aim of becoming a railway line of choice for our customers. In November 2023, we renewed the minapita point service and added the first point service for a railway company that can be used only at designated facilities and areas. Furthermore, measures were implemented to enjoy not only the shopping centers in Namba, but also the areas along the Nankai Electric Railway and Semboku Rapid Railway lines.

We will continue to strengthen our customer contact points through our point service, making the most of our strengths as a railway company with a diverse range of business segments. We will also strive to improve our services through business collaborations.

* Minapita points are a point service where you can earn and spend by using facilities and railways centered around the Nankai Group.

Seven railway companies in the Kansai region, including our company, have established MaaS-related study groups and a consortium, and are developing applications to realize new next-generation transportation services.

In September 2023, we released the smartphone app KANSAI MaaS, which includes a number of convenient functions for traveling around Kansai. In addition to services such as multimodal transfer searches, electronic ticketing, and tourist information on recreation, accommodation, and model courses, mainly in the Kansai region, we also provide one-stop information services unique to the seven railway companies, such as station maps and train location information. We are currently working to improve the functionality of the services, with plans to support shuttle buses to the EXPO site, QR tickets, and foreign languages (English) in preparation for EXPO 2025.

* Mobility as a Service (MaaS) is a service that provides searches, reservations, payments, etc. in a single package by optimally combining multiple public transportation and other transportation services to meet the trip-by-trip transportation needs of local residents and travelers.