【路線バス減便】年間43万人利用する路線が廃止に…唯一の交通機関が失われる地域も…専門家は“バス＝大きな乗り物”という発想の転換を訴え「小型化してタクシー会社などの協力を」〈北海道〉

The reduction in bus services, essential to daily life, continues unabated. Even routes used by over 400,000 people annually are being discontinued. The anguish of residents and local governments continues. "Mornings are tough because I have to leave home earlier. It will change my commute by 15 to 30 minutes," said a high school student who commutes to school by bus. This is Keimei Bus Terminal in Sapporo's Chuo Ward, which has over 160 buses arriving and departing each day. Jotetsu Bus has decided to discontinue three routes, including the one connecting this terminal with Makomanai Station in Minami Ward, with its December timetable revision. "As winter approaches, it's getting colder and colder, making it harder to get out of bed. I worry about whether I'll be able to wake up properly or be late," said a high school student who commutes to school by bus. Furthermore, Hokkaido Chuo Bus has decided to reduce the number of buses in the Sapporo area by over 200 from December. Sapporo's bus routes once operated more than 10,000 times a day. By 2024, the number of trips will be approximately 7,150, a decrease of nearly 30%. The decline has been accelerating in recent years. Sapporo is not alone in this difficult situation. "The bus that just ran was the only route that runs through this residential area. With the discontinuation, we are hearing concerns from users," said reporter Kimura Yota. In Kitahiroshima City, Hokkaido Chuo Bus has also decided to discontinue one of its two routes within the city at the end of March 2026. The route being discontinued is the Sanpomachi-Tobu Line, which connects JR Kitahiroshima Station with residential areas. It is a major transportation artery for the city, with approximately 70 trips per day on weekdays. "It was a sudden surprise," said one user. "It's definitely a problem, as I use it to go to extracurricular activities." (Both comments were from bus users.) Some residential areas will lose their only public transportation option when the bus is discontinued. Some of the areas where the route will be discontinued have an aging population of approximately 50%, resulting in areas with many so-called "transport-vulnerable" residents. "It's fine for people who can drive and have cars, but I'm the one being given rides, so I'll end up stuck at home. The change only affects the area around Esconfield, and it hasn't spread this far." (bus user) The city was informed of the route's discontinuation in January, and despite repeated negotiations with the bus company, the decision was made in June. "Due to a serious driver shortage, we were told the route could not be maintained. Approximately 430,000 people use it annually."[ "We were extremely shocked by the route's discontinuation" (Shimono Naoaki, Planning Division Chief, Kitahiroshima City) The route's discontinuation is a matter of life and death for residents. A signature campaign calling for the plan's reversal is ongoing. "We believe the serious bus driver shortage won't improve anytime soon, so we've been working to come up with alternative solutions," said Shimono. Kitahiroshima City is using national subsidies to minimize the impact by rerouting existing routes and encouraging other bus companies to enter the market. However, the number of buses during morning and evening commutes and on weekends is expected to be significantly reduced, causing widespread anxiety among residents. "I hope there will at least be some in the mornings," said one bus user. "I hope at least half the buses will remain." (Both comments are from bus users.) The number of bus drivers in Hokkaido has decreased by nearly 3,000 since its peak. The bus industry is suffering from a chronic labor shortage. "If the number of drivers decreases, the only options are to reduce the number of services or discontinue routes. If service cuts continue, drivers' overtime pay will also decrease. I want to see a clear positioning where the national and local governments are responsible for funding, while operation and management are left to the private sector." (Imatake, Executive Director, Hokkaido Bus Association) As we enter a super-aging society, route buses will play an increasingly important role as a means of transportation for residents. At the same time, the shortage of personnel to support them is becoming more serious. A public transportation expert commented on the future of route buses. "Reducing the number of services alone will no longer be enough, and I think that within the next five years or so, some companies will decide that they can no longer continue their bus business. It's time to move away from the idea that 'buses = large vehicles.' Perhaps we could downsize vehicles and seek cooperation from taxi companies and other operators." (Toshiki Nishiyama, Professor, Tokyo City University) Since the fixed schedules of large vehicles are a barrier to securing drivers, it is necessary to explore options su...