Kumamoto Electric Railway to Implement Major Service Reductions from February 3 Due to a Shortage of Train Drivers

Kumamoto Electric Railway will implement a timetable revision on February 3.

The reason is a chronic shortage of train drivers, compounded by a recent spate of retirements. The company’s train drivers have been operating below the standard number for about three years. Despite recruitment efforts to fill the gap, departures have exceeded hires, resulting in a chronic shortage of drivers.

Between Fujisaki-miya Mae and Miyoshi stations, the frequency during morning and evening rush hours will change to every 20 minutes (currently every 15 minutes), and to every 40 minutes (currently every 30 minutes) during midday and night. Between Kamikumamoto and Kitakumamoto stations, the service will run every 40 minutes throughout the day (currently every 30 minutes). Additionally, the first train departure will be delayed, and the last train departure will be moved earlier, resulting in 121 trains on weekdays (currently 159 on Monday to Thursday and 161 on Friday), 97 trains on Saturday (currently 148), and 91 trains on Sundays and holidays (currently 120). This will also increase the travel time on some sections.

⇒For more information