The city of Kyoto has reported positive initial findings from its Tourist Express Bus service, launched as part of its overtourism strategy. Operating since June 2022, the program caters to both residents and the influx of tourists visiting popular sites.
According to data collected between June and November of last year, the bus service averaged about 2,361 daily users. This statistic has been embraced as evidence of the program's effectiveness. It was established to provide dedicated transport between Kyoto Station and various attractions, including Kiyomizu-dera and Gion, particularly on weekends and holidays.
The service features two primary routes: one connects Kyoto Station to Kiyomizu-dera via Gojosaka with 16 daily trips, and another links multiple locations, including Ginkaku-ji, with 32 trips each day. The adult fare is set at 500 yen, double the standard bus rates, for tourists and locals who wish to enjoy the attraction tours without competing for space alongside regular bus services. This pricing strategy aims to create a productive balance and minimize congestion, especially for local residents. The city's transportation bureau noted, "Usage has remained steady and has helped alleviate congestion on parallel routes."
Despite some success, not all aspects of the service are without complications. During October, one of the busiest months of the year for tourism, the stop near Kiyomizu-dera experienced backlogs with lines extending beyond 50 people. The city has noted skewed travel patterns; the return usage from tourist sites was merely 25% of outward trips, indicating potential demand challenges on the way back.
Interestingly, roughly two-thirds of the bus riders opted to pay the higher fare rather than utilize cheaper all-day subway and bus tickets, reflecting acceptance of the service's value. The Kyoto City Transportation Bureau reported, "The fare is accepted," emphasizing the community's willingness to invest for convenience amid heavy congestion.
Looking forward, Kyoto's city officials plan to refine bus schedules according to real-time demand and boost publicity to drive more users to the tourist services. "We want to review the schedules according to actual needs and strengthen our publicity," they stated. Yet, the challenge of driver shortages poses significant hurdles. "We hope to explore weekday services but are faced with serious driver shortages," officials acknowledged during discussions about the growing demand for the service.
Overall, the initial outcome of the Tourist Express Bus service suggests strides toward alleviating overtourism burdens on Kyoto's local transport infrastructure. Although results are promising, continuous evaluation and adjustment will be necessary to consolidate the balance between residents and tourists, demonstrating Kyoto's commitment to nurturing its rich cultural heritage amid the challenges presented by modern tourism.