A wave of bus route cancellations due to driver shortages is sweeping through central Tokyo. Some Toei buses frequented by Toyosu Market users, as well as private routes connecting stations and hospitals, will be discontinued this month, leaving users confused.
Only outbound buses remain, but return buses are discontinued.
On the 4th, at Toyocho Station in Koto Ward, a long line formed at the bus stop heading to Toyosu Market in the rain from early morning. It’s said that this level of congestion is normal on weekdays. A local resident (in his 50s) who boards buses from an intermediate stop complained: “I was often refused boarding by drivers (or told I couldn’t get on).”
During peak morning hours, buses are often full from the starting point, so it’s often impossible to board. Even at 8 a.m., the busiest time, there are only three buses per hour. While there was hope for an increase in the number of buses, this week brought unbelievable news.
A local resident (50s) said, “The bus service on the way back has been completely suspended, so I’m really worried about who’s going to pay for my transportation.”
Starting next month, Tokyo will only operate one-way buses from Toyocho Station to Toyosu Market, citing a “shortage of drivers.” A person in their 60s who commutes to work said, “When was this decision made? When? It’s really difficult.” A person in their 40s who commutes to work said, “(Instead) I’ll either cycle or take the train.” “(How does it compare to the bus?) It takes about 30 minutes.”
Cancellations and fare hikes in various areas The impact of the driver shortage is spreading to various regions. The bus from Nishi-Kokubunji Station to Nishifu Station, which connects to schools and hospitals, will be discontinued at the end of this month. This route used to run once an hour. Passengers expressed their dissatisfaction with the decision to discontinue it… One person in their 40s who uses the bus with their family said, “My kids can’t get to school. I have to think of other routes, so it’s really troubling me.” One person in their 20s who uses the bus to go to work said, “Even if they raise the fare, I wish they wouldn’t cancel the service.”
The bus driver shortage has worsened due to the double whammy of a decline in ridership due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the “2024 Problem” brought about by work style reform, amid a reputation for low wages and long working hours. A shortage of 36,000 bus drivers is predicted by 2030, and further reductions in service and closures of lines are expected.
In response to this situation, Kanto Bus, which operates in the Kichijoji and Mitaka areas, raised its regular fare by 10 yen this month to cover labor costs. One person in their 40s who uses the bus with their family said, “Even 10 yen adds up. My family uses this route, so it’s gradually affecting our household budget.” Utilizing Senior Drivers: Some companies are taking steps to retain their drivers. Kokusai Kogyo, which operates in the Tokyo and Saitama areas, has extended its employment period. Drivers over 60 years old are offered shifts two hours shorter than usual.
Taking advantage of this, the company currently employs 38 senior drivers. Mitsuhiko Tanigawa (67), a senior driver at Kokusai Kogyo Bus, said, “I think this is true for the rest of society, but I can really feel that the elderly population is increasing, so I plan to work as long as my body allows.” Some municipalities have successfully expanded employment in public transportation, including buses. Last year, Yokohama City in Kanagawa Prefecture increased driver housing allowances to 50,000 yen per month.
Monthly salaries have also increased by 13% since the year before. The number of drivers hired has increased from around 50 per year to around 100 for two consecutive years, successfully preventing route cancellations due to labor shortages. Buses are essential “foot traffic” that supports daily life. Amid a worsening labor shortage, companies and municipalities are being asked how to maintain service. (From the March 5, 2026 broadcast) [TV Asahi NEWS]
The shortage of route bus drivers is becoming a serious problem across the country. Starting next month, some Toei bus routes will be suspended, and the impact is now reaching central Tokyo. Route buses are one of our precious means of transportation. A chronic driver shortage is becoming a serious issue nationwide. This impact is also felt in central Tokyo.
Reporter: “There’s a long line of people waiting to board the bus. Lots of people are getting on.” This is the Toei bus stop in Toyocho Station, located in Koto Ward. Currently, this bus route runs from Toyocho Station to Toyosu Market, but starting next month, the route from Toyosu Market to Toyosu Station will be discontinued, meaning people will no longer be able to return home by bus. Commuter: “That’s disappointing. It’s fine in the morning, but the return bus service will be cancelled, so I won’t be able to get home in one bus.” “There is a train, but I have to transfer about three times, so I think it’s going to be a pain.”
According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, due to a driver shortage, Toei Bus has suspended five of its 131 routes over the past four years and reduced the number of services on many other routes. The number of bus drivers will continue to decline, and nationwide, there will be a shortage of approximately 36,000 drivers by 2030. According to the Japan Bus Association, low wages and other working conditions are the main causes of the shortage.
In response to this situation, Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike said, “Next year, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government will work to resolve the driver shortage by identifying new talent and creating an environment where drivers can work long-term.” The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has earmarked approximately 1.4 billion yen in its initial budget for next year to improve the bus driver environment and address employee turnover.
In addition to providing a monthly allowance of 10,000 yen to private bus drivers in their first 10 years of employment, some metropolitan high school students who aspire to become bus drivers in the future will be subsidized with up to 400,000 yen towards the cost of obtaining a standard driver’s license. Measures to protect local bus routes, the “regional means of transportation,” remain urgent.
