Japan Is Offering Discounts On Ramen Noodles For Elderly Drivers Willing To Surrender Their Driver’s Licenses

November 30, 2016 in Daily Bulletin

Japan is at the forefront of a challenge that most western countries are expected to face: rapidly ageing societies. Justin McCurry wrote about one of the problems this creates:

  • The number of people over the age of 75 with driving licenses in Japan has doubled to 4.8 million in the last ten years.
  • Those over the age of 75 are now responsible for 13% of all accidents – up from 7% a decade ago.
  • One prefecture is offering ramen set meals for ¥500 (US$ 4.50) – a 15% discount – for drivers that are able to produce a certificate showing they’ve surrendered their license.
  • About 12,000 former drivers have benefitted from the scheme since the beginning of the year.
  • Other prefectures offer discounts on taxis and public transportation to ease the transition.

Read more on The Guardian.