Japan is moving to lift long-standing restrictions on the ride-hailing industry. A government plan would allow drivers of private vehicles to take fares, but only if they operate under the authority of taxi firms.

NHK has learned that the government is drawing up a draft policy based on a series of proposals by a panel of experts.

The policy would allow people who don't have a taxi driver license to take on customers in urban areas and sightseeing spots.

But they would only be allowed to operate in places and hours that are impacted by taxi shortages. The government plans to finalize the policy by next March and put it into effect soon after that.

The expert panel discussed the possibility of allowing businesses other than taxi firms to enter the industry, but did not reach a conclusion.