Two months have passed since Toyama Chihō Railway discontinued 17 bus routes in October, citing a “shortage of drivers.” In the areas where the routes were discontinued, elderly people and high school students who cannot drive, and other so-called “transportation-vulnerable” individuals, have been greatly affected.
The reduction in bus services, an essential part of daily life, shows no sign of stopping. Even routes used by more than 400,000 people annually are being discontinued. Residents and local governments continue to suffer. “I have to leave home earlier, so mornings are tough. Read More …
Tokyo Metropolitan Government buses, which serve over 630,000 passengers daily, reduced their service by 206 routes in the October timetable revision. Tokyo Metropolitan Government says the reason for these reductions is a shortage of drivers at the company contracted to operate the service. Furthermore, three Read More …
“#CheckingOutMyFavoriteJob ” This time, we’re featuring bus driver Nakamura Chikako. We took a peek at the work that supports our commutes to work and school! (Aired April 19, 2024). [18m in length] Female driver of an articulated bus: “Divorce was the catalyst” – 29 years Read More …
Transportation in Kyoto, a world-renowned tourist destination, is currently facing a crisis. Due to a shortage of city bus drivers, a “state of emergency” has been declared for the first time. What exactly happened? Our investigation revealed the unique circumstances of Kyoto City that lie Read More …
With the “2024 problem,” which will regulate drivers’ overtime work, looming, maintaining local bus routes is becoming increasingly difficult. The impact on communities is becoming more serious, with routes connecting to Sapporo being suspended.
Woman (73): “It will be terrible if it disappears.” “We won’t be able to go anywhere.” Man (81): “I thought something like this would happen eventually.” Kongo Bus, which decided to discontinue its service on November 20th, operates routes mainly in four municipalities, including Tondabayashi Read More …
The white lines close by, the walls of buildings. Oncoming cars, bicycles, pedestrians, and even gutters keep appearing. A route bus navigates the narrow roads, weaving its incredible skills through the densely populated residential areas of Matsuyama City.