The Abukuma Express, a third-sector service that connects Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures, has decided to hold a new meeting with local governments along the line, saying that management has become difficult due to the impact of the earthquake with a maximum seismic intensity of 6 upper a year ago and the impact of the new coronavirus. I learned from interviews with the people concerned that they will consider setting it up in the future, including changing the management method.
On the 16th, it will be one year since the quake with a maximum seismic intensity of upper 6 was observed in Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures.
The third-sector Abukuma Express, which connects Fukushima City and Shibata Town in Miyagi Prefecture, was cut off for more than a month due to damage to stations and tracks due to the earthquake. It is often damaged by disasters, such as being out of service for about a year.
In addition, due to the spread of the new coronavirus infection and the deterioration of facilities, the cumulative deficit at the end of last year was about 2.37 billion yen, and the management situation is becoming severe.
For this reason, with the aim of drastically improving management, we learned from interviews with stakeholders that a new review meeting will be set up involving Miyagi Prefecture, Fukushima Prefecture, and five municipalities along the line.
At the meeting, we will consider changing the management method, such as discussing the so-called "upper and lower separation method", which divides the operation of trains and the maintenance and management of tracks and station buildings between the company and the local government.
The focus of the meeting is likely to be how Abukuma Express, whose deficit has expanded due to repeated disasters, can rebuild its management.