Route buses that continue to be in the red
Aiming to improve profitability of route buses running in Hanno City, Saitama Prefecture, where the deficit continues, bus companies have begun joint efforts with courier companies to carry passengers and luggage at the same time, and the departure ceremony was held on the 25th.
This initiative, called “cargo consolidation”, in which a local bus carries passengers and luggage at the same time, will be carried out jointly with Yamato Transport Co., Ltd., which operates a local bus in Hanno City, Saitama Prefecture, etc., and which is a major home delivery company.
On the 25th, a departure ceremony was held at a bus office in Hanno city, and about 20 people gathered and cut the tape.
This initiative was carried out using one of the 27 weekday route buses leaving Seibu Railway Hanno Station and heading for the Naguri area, about 30 km away, in three places including seats. Load and carry your luggage in the box.
This line continued to be in the red due to the effects of population decline, etc., and was temporarily considered to be abolished.However, assuming certain use is expected, Hanno City will pay an annual deficit of more than 50 million yen each year. It means that we are giving subsidies.
With this initiative, bus companies are expected to improve their profits, and courier companies will be able to reduce the number of shipments to distant areas and improve operational efficiency.
Mr. Satoshi Nomoto, a spokeswoman for Kokusai Kogyo, which operates the bus, said, "We will continue to put safety and security first and consider all measures to increase sales and protect the foot of Hanno citizens."