Chiba disaster recovery and transportation relief

Following heavy rains and damage caused by Typhoon 25 in Chiba Prefecture, recovery and transportation relief efforts are underway.

Private entities and individuals have begun donating vehicles to the Japan Car Sharing Association to support disaster recovery. This includes donations from residents and companies like Autobacs Seven Co., Ltd., which provides vehicles and maintenance services to help maintain lifelines in disaster-stricken areas.

In response to significant disruptions on the JR Uchibo Line caused by landslides, which are expected to require at least three months of track repairs, temporary transportation measures have been implemented. Kominato Railway launched a short-term bus service between Anesaki and Nagaura stations. To address shortages in vehicles and drivers, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government announced plans to dispatch 10 Toei Bus vehicles and staff to assist with replacement services.

Expanding these mobility options, Chiba Prefecture, JR East, and local municipalities announced a share cycling service as an emergency transportation method between Anegasaki and Nagaura stations. Utilizing the ‘HELLO CYCLING’ system provided by OpenStreet, the initiative aims to supplement existing bus services.

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