A national study group that has been discussing the way local railways should be has said that in sections where the "transport density", which indicates the average number of people carried on the first day of last month, is less than 1,000 people, discussions should proceed, including conversion to buses. I've put together some suggestions.
Regarding this, JR West President Kazuaki Hasegawa appreciated the proposal, but indicated that he would like to proceed with discussions with local governments along the line for sections where revenue is particularly difficult even if the transport density is 1,000 people or more.
A study group of the national government, which has been discussing the modalities of regional railways, announced last month that the national government will play a central role in holding discussions with local governments and railway operators along railway lines, including switching to buses, for sections with a transport density of less than 1,000 people. We have compiled a list of proposals that should be discussed.
Regarding the proposal, Hasegawa, president of JR West, said at a press conference on the 3rd, "It has been shown that local routes are not just a problem for the management of private companies. It is easier for local governments to participate in discussions when the national government makes rules. I think there is also a side, ”he said, showing the idea of evaluating.
However, in April this year, JR West announced the balance of payments for sections with a transport density of less than 2,000 people, and has shown a stance to discuss with local governments.
Regarding this, President Hasegawa said, ``The fact that there are less than 1,000 people, which is the target of the proposal by the government's review committee, means that there is a high degree of urgency. Even if there are more than 1,000 people, he indicated that he would proceed with discussions with local governments in sections where profits are particularly difficult.