As the state of emergency continued, the government surveyed chartered bus operators and found that nearly 90% of the operators answered that their transportation revenue had decreased by more than half in February.

It means that many operators expect that the situation will continue to be less than half in March and April.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism surveys about 60 chartered bus operators nationwide every month to investigate the rate of decrease in transportation revenue, outlook, and cash flow in order to investigate the effects of the new coronavirus.



According to this, 87% of businesses in February answered that their transportation revenue was less than half that of the same month before the spread of the infection, an increase of 7 points from the previous month.



The decrease in transportation revenue for the entire industry is estimated to be about 32.2 billion yen in February, and when combined from April last year, it is estimated to be about 366.8 billion yen.



90% of businesses utilize government-provided cash flow support, and 95% receive employment adjustment subsidies.



In addition, when asked about the outlook for future transportation revenue, 77% of businesses answered that they expect it to be less than half, and 75% in April, and the difficult situation is expected to continue.



According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, 119 companies nationwide reported the abolition of the chartered bus business from February to February last year due to the influence of the new coronavirus, and 78 companies reported the suspension.

Major bus company Canceled 33,300 units Loss of about 3.2 billion yen

With the prospect of lifting the state of emergency uncertain, the management of chartered bus operators is becoming more difficult.



"Toto Sightseeing Bus" is one of the major bus companies in Tokyo that owns about 200 sightseeing buses.



Cancellation due to the new coronavirus started in January last year, and since then it has risen to more than 33,300 units by February, resulting in a loss of about 3.2 billion yen.



The shelves are piled up with contracts that have been canceled due to the influence of Corona.



In March, reservations were initially on a recovery trend due to transportation for graduation events such as elementary schools and kindergartens, but cancellations are occurring one after another due to the extension of the state of emergency in each of the three prefectures.



On March 8th, 149 cars were canceled.



As of the 9th, 399 units, which is 25% of the reservation, about 33 million yen has been cancelled.



In addition, regarding reservations from next week onward, cancellations such as transportation for off-campus learning at school are said to be due to the fact that the new mutated coronavirus spreading overseas is spreading in Japan and that the state of emergency may be further extended. Has begun to appear, and the future is uncertain, with 173 units and 25.5 million yen worth gone so far.



The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and industry groups say that bus vehicles have high ventilation performance, and the company appeals to as many people as possible that it is thoroughly ventilated and disinfected on its website and leaflets. I am working to get it.

Nihon Bus Association "Limit of patience There is a risk of bankruptcy one after another"

Katsuhiko Miyamoto, president of the company, who also serves as the vice chairman of the charter committee of the Japan Bus Association, said, "The impact on the industry as a whole will continue and the future is uncertain. If you do so, the risk of infection can be reduced, so we would like to encourage its use. "