Source: Wikimedia Commons / Photo by Zongdag2000
The JR Rumoi Line was discontinued on March 31st, and the “local mode of transport” was replaced by buses from April 1st. However, the switch to buses has become a significant economic burden. On the night of the 31st, the last train departed from Ishikari-Numata Station, bringing to an end the Rumoi Line’s history of over 115 years. “Thank you, Rumoi Line!” (Passenger on the last train) The train was packed with locals and railway enthusiasts.
The announcement on board was… “Thank you, Rumoi Line. Thank you so much for everything until today.” (Announcement on board) The station has finished its role as a rail transport station. From April 1st, the “Kitaso Liner” began operating as a replacement for the Rumoi Line. “We sincerely hope that the section between Fukagawa and Numata will become a means of transportation for those commuting to school or hospital.” (Shigeru Yokoyama, Mayor of Numata Town) The Kitaso Liner runs eight times a day, connecting Ishikari-Numata and Fukagawa. Some routes have been established that stop at high schools in Fukagawa City.
“It’s easier to ride now that it’s a bus.” “It’s great that it takes us right in front of the school.” (Both are students attending high school in Fukagawa City) Meanwhile, Dohoku Bus, which operates the Kitaso Liner, faced the first day of service while struggling with soaring fuel costs and a shortage of drivers. “The situation hasn’t changed, such as the shortage of drivers, but we want to work with local governments to ensure the continued operation of this local transportation service.” (Michikazu Okada, Dohoku Bus) The train between Ishikari-Numata and Fukagawa cost 360 yen one way, but the bus costs 650 yen. “It’s almost double. I guess it can’t be helped, but it’s tough (on household budgets).”
(A commuter to Fukagawa) A monthly commuter pass for the train cost 9,790 yen, but for the bus it’s more than double at 23,400 yen. JR Hokkaido and Numata Town in Hokkaido will cover part of the difference. “I don’t think gasoline prices will go down because of the war, but I hope they will go down if possible.”
(A high school student) Numata Town has allocated approximately 200 million yen in its budget for the new fiscal year for the bus conversion, but will continue to support high school students’ commutes, so the financial burden will continue. “Unless we create an environment that leads to improved services for users, people won’t use it. We want to do everything we can to improve that,” said Mayor Yokoyama. In a town where the railway has disappeared, the challenge now lies in “maintaining bus routes.”
