A limited express sightseeing bus, background, is seen in Kyoto’s Shimogyo Ward, June 1, 2024. The Kyoto Municipal Government began operating the service that day. (Mainichi/Kazuki Yamazaki)
KYOTO — The city of Kyoto plans to start a new bus fare system with lower prices for local people and higher prices for tourists. This would be the first time in Japan to have two different bus fares.
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Kyoto Mayor Koji Matsui said on Feb. 25 that the city wants to lower the bus fare for Kyoto citizens from 230 yen (about $1.50) to 200 yen (about $1.30). People who do not live in Kyoto would pay more. The goal is to help local people and share the benefits of tourism with them.
Kyoto has 1.43 million people, but in 2024, it had 56 million tourists, including almost 11 million from other countries. Buses are often crowded and late because of so many visitors.
The city needs approval from the national government to make this change. The law says bus fares must be fair for everyone, so Kyoto must show a good reason for the new system.
Mayor Matsui said, “Due to overtourism measures and rising costs, fares are expected to be 350 to 400 yen (around $2.30 to $2.60), but we want to offer discounts to citizens.”
A city survey in 2024 showed that almost 80% of people in Kyoto had problems with crowded buses and tourists’ bad manners. The city also plans to raise hotel taxes.
(Japanese original by Yoko Minami, Kyoto Bureau)
Vocabulary:
fare: the money you pay to ride a bus or train
overtourism: when too many tourists visit a place and cause problems
citizen: a person who lives in a city or country
AloJapan.com