どうなる“黄色線区”JR北海道は上下分離方式を提案へ　100円の収益を得るために600円以上経費がかかる路線も　有識者は「食料安全保障や国防などの観点も踏まえて国全体で必要性を考えるべき」と指摘

On the 1st, the JR Rumoi Line, which connected Numata Town and Fukagawa City in Hokkaido, was discontinued. With this, all five unprofitable sections—the so-called "red lines"—that JR Hokkaido had indicated to the municipalities along the line 10 years ago were scheduled for closure have now been abolished. However, challenges surrounding the railway still remain. ■ The Future of the Eight Unprofitable "Yellow Lines" These are "yellow lines" where JR Hokkaido alone cannot maintain the railway, and the goal is to ensure its survival based on "local burden." According to local sources, JR Hokkaido is considering proposing a "separation of infrastructure and operation" system as one way to ensure the railway's survival. In this system, the municipalities would maintain the tracks and facilities, while JR would handle train operations. ■ Survival or Abolition? The Fate of Railways as Time Limit Approaches