Nineteen routes out of 126 have been affected, including services from major hubs such as Shinagawa, Shinjuku, Ueno, and Kasai stations, where large numbers of commuters rely on buses. This reduction reflects a broader trend across the bus industry.
Other operators, including Kanto Bus, Odakyu Bus, Kokusai Kogyo Bus, Tokyu Bus, and Seibu Bus, are also cutting services while raising fares. These measures aim to improve employee treatment and secure enough drivers. Fare increases range from 10 yen to 20 yen, depending on the operator, with these reductions and hikes scheduled through 2025.
The driver shortage is not confined to Tokyo. In May 2024, Toyama Chiho Railway suspended 60 express bus services across five routes to free up drivers for school trips, offering refunds to passengers with existing bookings. Meanwhile, in Kushiro, Hokkaido, 17 elementary schools had to abandon their traditional September school trips after travel agencies were unable to secure buses during the tourist season. Instead, they reorganized into joint school trips in October and November, grouping schools and sharing destinations and accommodations to secure drivers during the off-season.
Experts say the root causes of the driver shortage lie in low pay, demanding work conditions, and the inability to secure adequate rest days. Professor Kazuya Itaya of Ryutsu Keizai University points out that drivers often lose scheduled days off when colleagues fall ill, as bus services cannot simply be suspended. Creating a sustainable work environment for drivers is essential.
Wage increases to attract and retain personnel make fare hikes inevitable, Professor Itaya explains. While these measures may burden passengers, industry officials argue they are unavoidable. Bus routes provide vital connections to hospitals, government offices, and residential areas not covered by trains. Their absence could affect daily life and even safety, particularly during extreme weather.
Passengers like anchor Maoko Hibi emphasize the importance of maintaining bus access and call for improvements in both motivation and working conditions for drivers. Experts also highlight that mental stress—such as complaints from passengers when buses are delayed—adds pressure on drivers and contributes to resignations.
As reductions and fare hikes continue, the challenge for the bus industry lies in balancing financial sustainability with maintaining essential public transport services.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/147137.php
