*This is a machine-translated text of the original article.
Rakuten Inc announced on March 11 2020 that it started full-fledged delivery services in Okayama city and Setouchi city in Okayama prefecture, utilizing the bus network of Tobi Bus Co Ltd, in collaboration with its parent company Ryobi Holdings Co Ltd for the delivery service Rakuten EXPRESS.
In this service, cargo transported by “Rakuten EXPRESS” is placed in a returnable box installed in a bus operated by Tobi Bus, and transported from Saidaiji Bus Centre to Setouchi Ushimado terminal.
Aiming for efficiency: Ryobi Holdings’ passenger buses are used to deliver parcels
In addition, drivers of Tobi Bus will be delivering by Rakuten EXPRESS’s exclusive delivery truck from the Setouchi Ushimado bus terminal to respective delivery destinations.
Rakuten states that efficient delivery will be realized by utilizing the existing bus routes as a means of transportation.
The company has set up a “One Delivery” initiative to build comprehensive logistics and delivery services in Rakuten marketplace, and is working to improve the soundness of e-commerce logistics.
Original Text: https://ampmedia.jp/2020/03/11/rakuten-21/