Japan Railway Journal - Season 9 Episode 5

Passenger numbers for local railway lines across Japan continue to fall as the population declines and more people opt to drive, putting pressure on railway company profits. In April 2022, JR West announced the income and expenditure status of 30 sections on 17 lines with a transport density of less than 2,000 passengers. According to the report, all 30 sections are in the red. The company is now planning to hold discussions with local governments along the lines to determine the best way forward. The section with the lowest income/expense ratio is the Geibi Line at 0.4%, followed by the Kisuki Line at 1.5% (both located in Hiroshima Prefecture). Take a look at how the local government and community are working to promote the use of the lines.