The Future of Local Regional Lines: How a Decade’s Challenge Arrived in One Year

JR West 207 Series train — JR West 207 Series

On March 13, 2021 (Reiwa 3), timetable revisions were implemented across all JR companies. As I mentioned before, the news contained both bright and somewhat dark topics. While media reports focused on the early termination of last trains in the Tokyo metropolitan area and Keihanshin region, reading through the details of the timetable revisions revealed numerous mentions of “reviews of operating frequency” and “reviews of operational sections.” What will become of Japan’s railways? I would like to consider this from the perspective of a general person with only basic knowledge of rail travel.

2020 was a year where human movement was severely restricted by the terrible external force known as COVID-19. For an industry like railways, which thrives on people moving, the impact was unprecedented, leading to projected massive deficits for both JR and private railway companies in their March 2021 financial results. With expected losses of ¥450 billion for JR East and ¥240 billion for JR West—it’s clear that simply cutting costs internally is not enough. This slump caused by the pandemic seems likely to be long-term, making profit recovery extremely difficult, as evidenced by JR East’s president stating that this year’s (2021/Reiwa 3) railway operating revenue would be “just over 80% of pre-COVID levels,” and JR West also referencing the need for adjustments in its “autumn timetable revision.”

“A situation where the future of ten years has arrived in one year, and behavioral changes are expanding beyond temporary measures.”

This was a statement made by the president of JR West at a press conference this February. What does this mean? Historically, JR West’s revenue structure relies on its profitable operations on the Sanyo Shinkansen and core lines in the Keihanshin area to cover the deficits of all other local regional lines. If passenger numbers drop by half on these main profit centers (Shinkansen and Keihanshin), even a layperson can see that the business model is unsustainable. JR East faces the same issue with the Tokyo metropolitan area and Shinkansen, and JR Tokai does so with the Tokaido Shinkansen—all maintaining local lines despite deficits.

“We must accelerate the challenge of determining the future role of local lines, which have traditionally been sustained by internal subsidies.”

The JR West president also made this statement. The decline that was expected over time due to population decrease has arrived all at once. Isn’t the real issue whether they want to engage in discussions with local communities, potentially including elimination, regarding these local lines where few passengers travel? However, railways are fundamental transportation infrastructure for society, yet they are also private profit-seeking enterprises. It may be necessary for JR, local governments, and residents alike to consider the future of regional transport without delay.

JR West Anywhere Ticket (Tokutoku Kippu) — JR West Anywhere Ticket

This spring, JR West launched the “JR West Anywhere Ticket.” You can ride Shinkansen and limited express trains throughout the entire JR West area! There are no restrictions like “weekends only” or “for two people,” and you can even use it during Golden Week! I plan to thoroughly enjoy the railways and support them by riding them myself! Of course, COVID-19 precautions will be fully in place…