Japanese transport authorities have decided to ease rules on allowing taxis and chartered buses to carry cargo and passengers at the same time.

The move is aimed at addressing a shortage of drivers and increasing the number of transportation options in more communities.

Currently, regular fixed-route buses are allowed to transport people and packages simultaneously anywhere in Japan.

But taxis, chartered buses and freight vehicles can only do so in small communities with fewer than 30,000 people.

The Transport Ministry says it will expand the area to include the whole country from June 30th. That's on condition that operators have licenses for both cargo and passenger transportation.

Officials say many municipalities have asked that rules be eased in wider areas so they can better cope with the needs of their residents, particularly the elderly.

Some have suggested using taxis to deliver food and medicine to households as well as having transport vehicles carry passengers.

The ministry says it will promote mixed transportation based on the situation in each area of the country.