Mercedes-Benz V Class collaboration

Wilgo, a Tokyo-based accessible taxi service for wheelchair users, and Universal Hire, a Kobe-based accessible taxi service for a wide range of passengers including wheelchair users, have collaborated to support a group including wheelchair user traveling from Tokyo to the EXPO 2025 Osaka Kansai Expo.

The relation of two services happened when Mr. Kimura, who launched Universal Hire in 2022, inquired us about the Wilgo, which uses a Mercedes V-Class vehicle. Since then, both parties had envisioned some kind of collaboration, but the opportunity never quite came. Recently, one of customers who had used Wilgo several times in Tokyo was planning to visit the Osaka Kansai Expo, and asked us if there was a similar transportation service like Wilgo in the Kansai region, so we recommended to contact Mr. Kimura of Universal Hire.

Though they are both Mercedes-Benz V-Class vehicles, the specifications are slightly different: Wilgo is an Avant-garde Long (length 5m15cm) with a wheelchair lift, while Universal Hire is an Extra Long (length 5m38cm) with a ramp.

It can be difficult to decide whether a lift or a ramp is suitable, depending on the wheelchair specifications and the wheelchair user’s physique and physical condition. However, both are designed to allow users to board and disembark safely and without difficulty, and to travel safely and securely. Universal hire that use ramps for boarding and disembarking are equipped with handmade aids to fill in dents in the rear gate, and wheelchair fixing devices that utilize the seat rails on the vehicle floor, making long-distance travel comfortable.

This time, the group was taken from their home to Tokyo Station Yaesu side by Wilgo, then Universal Hire picked up at Shin-Osaka Station where they arrived by Shinkansen, and supported their transportation during their two night stay in Osaka. On the third day, when they returned to Tokyo Station by Shinkansen, Wilgo picked them up and took back to their home. We shared the wheelchair specifications the customers were using in advance and confirmed the boarding and disembarking procedures, and we believe we were able to provide the same convenience in both the east and west areas.

Universal Hire and Wilgo are happy yo assist you if you are departing from Tokyo to Kansai, or from Kansai to Tokyo.