Three municipalities along the Heisei Chikuho Railway line expressed support on February 16 for converting the struggling rail service to a standard route bus system. At a legally mandated council meeting convened by Fukuoka Prefecture, Yukuhashi City, Kotake Town, and Aka Village endorsed the bus option, citing lower financial burdens. The third-sector railway, which connects Nogata and Yukuhashi, has faced ongoing financial difficulties. The council is considering three options: maintaining the rail line, converting it to a bus rapid transit system using dedicated lanes, or switching to route buses. The remaining six municipalities are expected to announce their positions by mid-March, with a final decision due by the end of next month. Officials said 44 additional drivers would be required, and operators indicated staffing would be feasible. Source: NHK / RKB
Photo: Fukuoka Now
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