A national study group will be held on the 25th to discuss the ideal form of local railways that continue to be in the red, and recommendations will be compiled.


In the case of JR, it is expected that there will be a proposal to proceed with discussions, including conversion to buses, etc. for sections where the transportation density, which indicates the average number of people carried per day, is "less than 1000 people". It is expected that discussions will become more active in.

In addition to the declining population of local railways nationwide, the number of passengers has fallen due to the spread of the new corona infection, and many operators continue to be in the red, and some routes are in jeopardy of their survival.



The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism set up a study group made up of experts in February to continue discussions on the ideal state of local railways, but on the 25th, the recommendations will be summarized.



Among these, in the case of JR, as a guide, the country plays a central role in the section where the transportation density, which indicates the average number of people carried per kilometer per day, is "less than 1000 people" under certain conditions. It is expected that a proposal should be made to establish a new council in which local governments and railway operators along the railway line participate.



However, assuming a case where usage is concentrated during commuting hours, if the number of passengers during peak hours exceeds 500 on either the up or down side, it will be excluded.



Discussions at the council do not presuppose the "survival" or "abolition" of routes, but if convenience and sustainability are expected to improve, conversion to buses or BRT due to discontinuation, or local governments We request that you consider including a review of the operation method, such as the "upper and lower separation method" in which the railway company owns the railroad tracks and stations and is responsible for the operation of the railway company.



And within three years from the start of the talks, the local government and the railway operator should reach an agreement and decide on the measures.



The recommendations will be formally finalized based on the opinions of experts at the study meeting held in the morning.