４割が高校生の通学利用「平成筑豊鉄道」存続か廃止か… 地域の“足”を守る意味とは【ぎゅっと】2025年2月25日放送

This week's Hometown Wish is "Explore Fukuoka! Vehicle Wish." The Heisei Chikuho Railway is an important regional transportation system, connecting Nogata and Yukuhashi via Tagawa City. Its single-car diesel trains run through the countryside and are beloved by local residents. Station benches and planters are even made by local students, deepening ties with the community. Elementary school students visiting on field trips have even expressed interest in riding the line again. However, the railway's survival is in jeopardy. ▶History and Current Situation (01:07) The Chikuho region once boasted a developed railway network for transporting coal, supporting the growth of the town. As times have changed, the Heisei Chikuho Railway has survived with local government support as a third-sector company. However, operating revenue alone has made it difficult to maintain the line, placing a heavy financial burden on municipal governments. Annual maintenance costs of approximately 1 billion yen are estimated, including safety measures such as replacing approximately 100,000 sleepers. Passenger numbers have been declining since the service opened, dropping to about half of its peak level. Furthermore, the impact of disasters has been significant, such as the 2018 heavy rains, which forced service suspension for more than three months. ▶Survive or Switch to Buses? (02:45) Currently, discussions are underway regarding whether to continue the rail service or switch to buses. High school students, accounting for approximately 40% of passengers, would be most affected if the rail service were to disappear. Students have voiced concerns, saying, "It would be inconvenient if the rail service were to disappear," and "Trains are more convenient than buses." Meanwhile, adult ridership is declining, with many local residents relying on cars. One commenter said, "The adults around me hardly ever use the rail service." ▶The Future of Public Transportation (04:15) Japan is becoming a super-aging society, and securing transportation for the elderly is a challenge. While public transportation is becoming increasingly important as a means of transportation for those who have surrendered their driver's licenses, the reality of declining ridership cannot be ignored. Many residents believe, "Even though I don't use them now, I want the rail service and bus service to remain," and Heisei Chikuho Railway is also working on measures to ensure their continued existence. We are working to improve convenience by introducing smartphone payments, opening new stations, and capturing tourism demand. New forms of use are also being proposed, such as the operation of tourist trains and the introduction of cycle trains. Along the line, there are areas with blooming rapeseed blossoms and remnants of the coal mining industry, and there are hopes that tourism resources will be utilized to take advantage of the region's attractions. Stakeholders are using data to discuss whether to keep the railway running or switch to another mode of transportation. It is time to work with residents to consider what the best form of transportation would be for it to continue serving as a local means of transportation. For Heisei Chikuho Railway to continue supporting local life, it is necessary to balance efforts to promote usage with sustainable management. Broadcast on February 25, 2025