Opinions and Responses

About the buses in the city

There are two requests regarding the use of the bus bound for Inagi Station via Koyodai from Wakabadai Station.

Currently, the number of buses is limited, making it difficult to use them at desired times for commuting, school, shopping, or hospital visits.
Especially during the hours when there are only two buses per hour, the bus schedule is often significantly delayed, and between 8 PM and 9 PM, the waiting time is long, causing inconvenience. Also, the last bus disappears by 10 PM, which is problematic.

Since it is an important means of transportation for Older Adults and those without cars, we would appreciate it if you could consider increasing the number of bus services if possible.

Also, there is something we would like to convey regarding the bench at the Wakabadai Station bus stop.

The wooden parts of the bench have deteriorated, and the surface is splintered. There is a risk of clothing getting caught or causing injury, making it unsafe to sit on.

For the safety of users, we would appreciate it if you could consider inspections, repairs, or replacement of the benches.

Response

Regarding the current situation surrounding the route bus business operators, there is a nationwide issue of a severe shortage of bus drivers and the need to comply with the revised "Standards for Improvement of Working Hours for Motor Vehicle Drivers," commonly known as the "Improvement Standards Notice," which was enforced on April 1, 2024. The "Wakabadai Station to Inagi Station via Koyodai" route jointly operated by Odakyu Bus and Keio Bus, which was inquired about, has been reduced to the current number of services following the timetable revision on March 16, 2024.
At the beginning of this revision, due to the operation being reduced to two buses per hour during certain time periods, there were requests from users that the bus departure times at Wakabadai Station and Inagi Station became inconvenient for transfers from the trains at each station. In response, the city, aiming to realize transportation services suited to the local situation, made requests to the bus operators through the "Inagi City Regional Public Transportation Council," a statutory council composed of representatives from each Neighborhood Association, various citizen groups, bus operators, and the police. The current revised timetable, which reflects these adjustments, is now in operation.
At the "Inagi City Regional Public Transportation Council," we have also made requests to the bus operators for an increase in the number of scheduled route bus services currently operating within the city. However, at this time, due to unresolved issues such as the shortage of drivers, we have received responses that fulfilling these requests is not possible. Nevertheless, we will continue to make these requests to the bus operators.
Also, regarding the benches at the Wakabadai Station bus stop, we will confirm the reported situation and proceed with improvement measures.

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