[Part 1] Toyama Chihou Railway’s New President Shinjo Kazuhiro (新庄一洋) Outlines Path to Turnaround, Plans to Restructure Loss-Making Rail Lines (Kitanihon Broadcasting)

Shinjo Kazuhiro (新庄一洋), president of Toyama Chihou Railway, took office this June and indicated that the company plans to restructure its rail lines using subsidies and government grants. He explained that a key issue will be how to cover the costs of fare revisions and other measures through the use of public funds.

In response to comments from local governments and residents that fares are high, Shinjo indicated that he wants to lower fares while securing the understanding of municipalities along the lines and the prefectural government. As a specific example, he cited a proposal to target fare levels comparable to those of Ainokaze Toyama Railway, referring to the fare policies of Takamatsu-Kotohira Electric Railroad as a model.

A comparison of routes operated by Toyama Chihou Railway and Ainokaze Toyama Railway shows that the Uozu–Toyama route takes approximately 25 minutes and costs ¥600 on Ainokaze, compared with approximately one hour and ¥810 on Chitetsu. He indicated that the company would consider measures to promote use, including expanding the adoption of season tickets, to offset the difference in travel time. Shinjo said the company aims to increase ridership by introducing season tickets.

Although Governor Nitta (新田) has indicated a policy of maintaining the entire Chitetsu Main Line, the cost-sharing ratios for municipalities along the line have not been specified, and concerns have been raised about the financial burden. Shinjo said the company plans to coordinate with each municipality on service levels that match demand.

The restructuring envisioned by Shinjo has been described as a “three-story concept,” with the details scheduled to be presented in Part 2.