Today, Kumamoto Bus Agencies Joint Promotion Office announced it has partnered with Moovit, creator of the #1 commuter app, to bring expanded access to public transportation information and guidance. Now, riders of Kumamoto have access to the most comprehensive urban mobility information in one app to plan their trip and enjoy the smoothest possible journey around Kumamoto and the surrounding areas.

Moovit’s iOS, Android, and Web app is available for free to transit riders. Moovit combines official information from Kumamoto Bus Agencies as well as crowdsourced information to calculate the best route for each journey with urban mobility options like buses, tram, and other transit connections. The app has integrated more than 3,800 stops and 150 lines to be able to suggest the best routes across various urban mobility options, including buses and multimodal options to tourism line ferries delivering a smoother and more efficient travel experience.

Moovit’s feature-rich platform enhances the commuting experience with:

• Real-time arrival information, so users know exactly when their bus or train will arrive.
• Live Directions with Deboarding Alerts, providing step-by-step guidance throughout the entire journey.
• Service Alerts, allowing riders to stay informed of disruptions on their usual routes and adjust travel plans accordingly.
• Accessibility features, empowering individuals across the disability spectrum to navigate public transportation with greater confidence and ease.

“Thanks to Moovit’s partnership with Kumamoto Bus Agencies, Kumamoto joins the more than 3,000 cities in 112 countries that Moovit already covers,” said Ziv Kabaretti, Chief of Product at Moovit. “We are excited to help millions of riders travel more efficiently. By combining official transit data with real-time crowd updates, Moovit makes public transportation more accessible, convenient, and reliable.”

“Through this initiative, we aim to create a more convenient and user-friendly transportation environment not only for local residents, but also for international visitors traveling to Japan,” said Mr. Shin Takada, Head of the Joint Management Promotion Office. “Moving forward, we will continue striving to improve our services while fulfilling the vital social role of public transportation.”

Kumamoto is part of the increasing number of cities where Moovit is now available since announcing its launch in Japan in September 2025. The mobility app is working to continue expanding its services and coverage in Japan.

About Kumamoto Bus Agencies Joint Promotion Office
The Kumamoto Joint Management Promotion Office was established with the goal of maintaining and enhancing Kumamoto’s public transportation network through Japan’s first joint management initiative of its kind. Five operators — Kyushu Sanko Bus, Sanko Bus, Kumamoto Electric Railway, Kumamoto Bus, and Kumamoto Toshi Bus — have come together beyond traditional corporate boundaries to promote route restructuring, timetable optimization, and initiatives aimed at increasing ridership.

The office is also pursuing greater convenience through the use of digital technologies, including the early introduction of contactless payment systems for local bus services and the consideration of a unified commuter pass system compatible with touch payment. By working closely with local government authorities, the office is committed to contributing to the local community through the provision of sustainable, high-quality mobility services.