Chiba implements share cycling as emergency transport for JR Uchibo Line

Chiba Prefecture, JR East, and several local municipalities have announced the implementation of a share cycling service as an emergency transportation method between Anegasaki and Nagaura stations. This initiative follows damage caused by Typhoon No. 25, which resulted in landslides that blocked both the JR Uchibo Line and the adjacent Prefectural Road Sodegaura Anegasaki Teishajo Line.

The railway service between these two stations is expected to be suspended for at least three months due to the extent of the damage. The share cycling service, utilizing the ‘HELLO CYCLING’ system provided by OpenStreet, aims to supplement existing bus services and provide residents with more mobility options.

The service will launch on October 14 with 130 electric-assist bicycles and is planned to expand to 300 units by October 16. Users can use the service for free for up to 12 hours, after which a fee of 2,500 yen per 12-hour period will apply. This marks the first time in Japan that share cycling has been introduced as a substitute transport method during a disaster.