It looks like a trial run of a community bus is about to start in the Yamaguchi area.
(This information was provided by Iroha @ Nishitsu Supporter and tachan. Thank you!)
It looks like it will start on November 14!
Overview by Route
- Nakano / Kamiyama Library Route
- Number of stops: 13
- Travel time: About 40 minutes
- Narai / Shimoyamaguchi Hall Route
- Number of stops: 8
- Travel time: About 28 minutes
- Kita-Rokkodai Route
- Number of stops: 14
- Travel time: About 28 minutes
Hours
The buses will generally run between 8:00 and 18:40. By a simple calculation, that seems to be around one bus per hour.
Fares
Within the Yamaguchi area: 300 yen
Outside the area (Taoji / Okaba): 400 yen
Once regular service begins, Nishinomiya City’s senior bus fare subsidy discount will apparently be available.
It says they are aiming for a cost recovery ratio of 50%, so for example, if revenue is 100,000 yen, the target would be a ratio where expenses are 50,000 yen. That is quite an ambitious number, isn’t it? Since public transport often relies on government subsidies and grants, it might be possible.
Finally
This has apparently been under consideration since 2018, and now it is finally entering trial operation. The trial period will run from November 14 to February 29. If there are no issues, it will likely move into regular service. Given the area, having buses available would probably make things much more convenient.
Thank you to Iroha @ Nishitsu Supporter and tachan for the information!!
■■■We’re looking for your tips and local info!■■■
