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Tokyo’s bus network rarely gets the love it deserves, despite being an essential cog in the awe-inspiring machine that is the greatest urban transport system on the planet.
But while the capital’s trains keep chugging along, albeit with soon-to-be higher ride fares, things are looking bleak for buses. Operators have eliminated dozens of routes across the city and reduced service on many more over the past few years due to a chronic lack of drivers.
The latest in a long line of gloomy announcements comes from none other than the Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation, which on March 2 proclaimed the end of late-night service across the Toei Bus network on March 31.
Late-night service – as in buses departing at 11pm or later and charging ¥420 instead of the usual ¥210 – will cease on all six Toei routes where it’s still offered. Those are:
02 from Oji Station for Toshima Gochome Danchi
03 from Nishi-Kasai Station towards Minami-Kasai
07 between Shinagawa Station’s Konan Exit and Yashio Park Town
11 from Oji Station for Shinden Nichome
12 between Funabori Station and Shin-Koiwa Station
13 from Tokyo Station’s Marunouchi South exit for Ariake Itchome
The elimination of these buses is of course especially painful for people who work late and live far from a train or subway station. If you’re one of those unfortunate commuters, perhaps it’s time to read up on how to cycle like a Tokyoite.
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