Fourteen highway bus operators in Kyushu, including Fukuoka-based Nishinippon Railroad and Kumamoto-based Kyusanko Bus, will begin phasing in internet-only discounts this July. They will set discounts for each route and day of the week in order to respond flexibly to demand and compete with the Shinkansen and low-cost air carriers. The companies will switch to a new system that unifies highway passenger buses and highway sightseeing buses.
This will allow them to apply for government permission to offer discounts of up to 20%. The 14 companies currently operate an online bus reservation system called Raku Bus, but they will move to a new site administered by Keio Dentetsu Bus called highwaybus.com starting with July 1 rides. By using the new site, the companies will be able to offer internet-only discounts and ticket strips as well as handle seat selection, route changes and refunds—services that are not available on Raku Bus. Reservations can be made up to one month in advance, and the companies will begin offering early bird discounts on June 1 for passengers who book buses in advance. Source: Nishinippon Shimbun, May 31