Fukuoka Prefecture agreed to revise a plan that would have ended Heisei Chikuho Railway services by the close of fiscal 2028 after municipalities along the line raised concerns at a statutory council meeting in Fukuoka City on September 8. The railway, a third-sector operator based in Fukuchi, is already slated to be replaced by buses. The draft called for three bus routes linking Nogata and Yusubaru, Yusubaru and Yukuhashi, and Kanada and the Toyotsu branch office to begin operating during fiscal 2028. Local officials said substantial operational details remained unresolved, casting doubt on the schedule. The prefecture will reconsider both the rail closure and bus launch dates before resubmitting the plan. Members also agreed to pursue community-operated paid transport using privately registered vehicles under Japan’s Road Transport Act. Source: Nikkei / Asahi Shimbun
Photo: Fukuoka Now
Get Fukuoka and Kyushu’s top stories delivered to your inbox. The Now is Fukuoka Now’s free biweekly newsletter featuring local news, events, culture, business, and community updates in English. Subscribe to The Now
Summaries based on public content, errors may occur during translation. Images credited independently. Send feedback using this form.