Nagano Electric Railway Co. will significantly reduce its limited express services due to a driver shortage, cutting the number of such services by half from September 11 to December 10. The company currently runs 20 limited express trains daily.
The reduction will impact ten services: five trains departing from Suzaka and Nagano stations to Yudanaka Station, and five trains from Yudanaka and Shinshunakano stations to Nagano Station. This decision comes as the company struggles with a persistent driver shortage caused by retirements. Despite having 31 drivers on staff and requesting they work on their days off, maintaining the daily schedule has become increasingly challenging.
Additionally, the special fall train that offers wine to passengers will be suspended to help manage the reduced number of services. A company representative acknowledged the inconvenience this will cause, particularly during the busy autumn sightseeing season and with the increase in foreign tourists. However, the decision was deemed necessary.
Nagano Electric Railway is currently training two new drivers to eventually restore regular service. Nagano Governor Shuichi Abe emphasized the importance of maintaining local public transportation and suggested that public funding might be required to ensure its continuation.
