Kumamoto Dentetsu has submitted an application to the government to change the upper limit of railway fares, and if approved, the fares will be revised on October 1 (Wed), 2025.
Driver shortage → significant reduction in services → decrease in users
Their railway business also revised fares by an average rate of 13.22% (regular fares) in October 2023, and the fare increase will continue at a short interval of two years. In fiscal 2020, which was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and rising energy prices, the company recorded an operating loss of over 200 million yen, and although the number of passengers is recovering, it has not yet reached the pre-COVID level. In addition, in 2025, a timetable revision was implemented with a significant reduction in services due to the retirement of drivers, which has resulted in a decrease in users.
In addition, capital investment costs have increased due to the recent rise in prices and labor costs, and the company’s business situation remains severe, with a deficit of approximately 120 million yen in fiscal 2024. Kumamoto Dentetsu has stated that in order to continue to maintain safe transportation, it is necessary to improve the working conditions of its crew members and to continue to repair facilities. It plans to improve its income and expenditure through fare revisions and reduce the deficit to about 40 million yen by fiscal 2028.
The amount of fare increase will be suppressed from the maximum fare applied for
The average rate of revision of the maximum fare will be 33.18% for regular fares and 30.33% for commuter and student fares, and the minimum fare, which is currently 180 yen, will be applied for at 230 yen. However, in order to mitigate the sudden increase in the burden, the plan is to set the effective fare by notification at an amount that is a reduction from the maximum fare. The actual minimum fare will be 210 yen, an increase of 30 yen from the current amount, but if the minimum fare of 160 yen until September 2023 is used as the basis, it will be an increase of about 31% over two years.
The new fares for the main section between Fujisakimigu-mae Station and Miyoshi Station will see a 90 yen increase in regular fares from the current 460 yen to 550 yen, and a 2,240 yen increase in one-month commuter passes from the current 16,560 yen to 19,800 yen. Passes purchased by September 30 (Tue) at the previous fares will be valid for the duration of their validity even after the change.
