Japan's Kagoshima City is facing a significant shortage of bus drivers, causing many local routes to be reduced or even discontinued. This staffing crisis is having serious repercussions for residents who rely on buses for their daily commutes. With the average age of bus drivers across the nation currently at 54.9 years, the industry is grappling with how to attract younger workers.
During the month of February 2025, scenes at various bus depots illustrated the challenges faced by the bus industry. One photograph depicts a driver napping during their break at the Nankoku Kotsu Kagoshima Office, highlighting the fatigue many suffer amid working conditions compounded by labor shortages.
According to reports, the average age of bus drivers has increased dramatically over the years. Statistically, the 2023 figure of 54.9 years signifies ten years older than the average across all industries. Conditions have worsened, with the average age of bus drivers reaching 60 years within Kagoshima Prefecture alone.
At the Kagoshima Kotsu organization, the situation is no different, with their average driver now also at 60 years old, up from 50.7 years just five years ago. The management has responded by extending the retirement age from 61 to 65, and even allowing re-employment for drivers aged up to 75. While this has provided temporary relief by retaining experienced drivers, it has not addressed the fundamental issue: the lack of new, younger entrants to the profession.
A bus driver, 48 years old, remarked on the arduous job conditions, noting, "We are the youngest drivers here, and if the younger generation doesn't come through, we might have to work until we are 80 to keep the operations running." The sentiments were echoed by Junichi Onizuka, the chairman of the Nankoku Kotsu Labor Union. He observed, "Long working hours were acceptable for our generation, but we need to change this mindset to attract younger talent; else, they won’t join us.”
To make matters worse, Nankoku Kotsu has also introduced a 'mid-break' system which mandates longer work hours and fewer paid breaks. Drivers work during peak morning and evening commute hours, only to have six hours of unpaid time between. While this allows flexibility, it presents challenges as many drivers choose to nap on-site or deal with lengthy commute times instead of going home.
The Japanese government has recognized this issue and reaffirmed labor rights within the transportation sector. Starting April 2024, regulations surrounding maximum overtime hours for drivers have become stricter, with the mandated minimum rest period between shifts extended from eight hours to nine hours. Yet, the fundamental recruitment issue persists, raising concerns about operational capacities as evidenced by the trends of reduced bus services.
To actively encourage younger drivers, the National Government revised the Road Traffic Law back in May 2022 to facilitate the acquisition of larger vehicle licenses. This change allows individuals who have held their standard license for over one year to qualify for the bus driver’s test after completing special training, circumventing previous restrictions.
Nankoku Kotsu has taken steps to benefit from this new law, lowering the age requirements for bus driver training to 18-20. Despite these efforts, their average age of drivers still stands at approximately 57 years as of October 2024, illustrating both the demand for immediate action and the difficulty of transforming the recruitment pipeline.
With over 100 buses stationed at the Kagoshima Kotsu depot by evening, the bus industry visibly grapples with its heavy reliance on aging personnel. A clear divide exists between older drivers who have long understood the intricacies of the job and management's attempts to adapt to shifting societal expectations and labor demands. Each day, some experienced drivers, like the 48-year-old cited earlier, must juggle the multiple demands of the job and their increasingly burdensome roles.
One driver who has been at it for years reflected, "We want to pass our skills on, but we can't continue forever. We're facing the reality of fewer young people willing to join our ranks." This comparison with other service industries highlights just how challenging it has become to find motivated individuals willing to endure the rigors associated with modern bus driving.
The situation is not only about hiring practices but also about changing long-standing traditions and incentives within the industry. Cost prohibitive practices, lengthy hours, and insufficient pay are just some of the topics at the forefront of discussions among industry leaders and labor unions alike. If the status quo remains unchanged, there's growing concern over the sustainability of public transport across regions—especially within Kagoshima City.
Addressing these workforce shortages is imperative for the local economy and the commuters who rely on these services. The recent changes show promise, but they require thorough implementation and societal acceptance if the bus industry hopes to replenish its diminishing ranks.
Legislated changes and industry adjustments embody the ambitious hope to revitalize the aging workforce. Still, without significant improvement, the community's mobility and accessibility will continue to dwindle. Continued dialogues among political entities, local businesses, and transportation authorities are needed to forge successful paths forward and rejuvenate this indispensable sector.