Japan Railway Journal

Kyoto Tango Railway: A Bus Company to the Rescue (2019x12)

Air date: Sep 12, 2019

Kyoto Tango Railway is a 114km line located along Amanohashidate, one of the 3 most scenic spots in Japan. Once the most in deficit railway company in Japan, it is now managed by the Willer Group, a long-distance bus operator. Through a process known as "vertical separation," Willer has taken over the day-to-day operation of the railway, while the local government maintains its infrastructure. See how Willer is transforming the local railway company using marketing and IT strategies.