While bus routes are being discontinued or reduced in number throughout Hokkaido due to a shortage of bus drivers, why was it possible to increase the number of services? This is a bus route in Chitose City.
On April 1st, some routes saw an increase in service. The total number of services per weekday is now 285, about 20% more than before the timetable revision. (User) “I knew that only the times had changed, but I didn’t know that the number had increased. I think it’s good that the number has increased.” Until now, the number of bus services in Chitose City had been on a downward trend.
In fiscal year 2022, there were 321 services per weekday, but last year it had decreased to 236. One of the reasons for this change is the construction of “Rapidas,” which aims to mass-produce cutting-edge semiconductors. Compared to three years ago when Rapidus first moved into Chitose, the number of semiconductor-related companies in the city has increased, and the city’s tax revenue has risen by 3.4 billion yen. It is said that some of this is being used for the bus business.
(Takashi Nishikawa, head of the Chitose City Transportation Policy Division) “Thanks to everyone, tax revenue has increased slightly. It is our mission to give back as much as possible to improve the convenience and lives of the citizens.” In addition, a new bus route connecting the JR station with Rapidus and New Chitose Airport was opened in April. Following this, Hokuto Kotsu, which mainly operated airport shuttle buses, has entered the route bus business.
(Reporter Fujitoku) “They have newly introduced fare boxes and fare display boards.” The cost of purchasing vehicles and new equipment for the new entry was more than 80 million yen, which is by no means a small amount, but they judged that it would be profitable.
(Akihiko Sato, Director of Hokuto Kotsu) “We wanted to create a pillar that could protect jobs and meet demand, so commuter buses and local bus routes were attractive to our company. As long as they are needed by the community, we want to fulfill our responsibility.” The city has also allocated 35 million yen in this year’s budget to maintain bus routes and is expanding its subsidy system for bus operators.
(Takashi Nishikawa, Head of Chitose City Transportation Policy Division) “Public transportation is the foundation for ensuring convenience for citizens. We hope that citizens will use the buses and continue to cooperate in making public transportation sustainable in the future.” It remains to be seen whether the increase in bus services and the development of new routes will lead to the development of the city, and the results will be watched closely.
