Crowding on Kyoto buses as tourists return creates headaches for stroller users

June 1, 2023 (Mainichi Japan)

Japanese version

KYOTO -- A rapid recovery in demand for buses in Kyoto as the coronavirus crisis recedes and tourists pour into the area is causing headaches for people with baby strollers.

In addition to crowding caused by an increase in the number of people out and about, passengers are bringing large baggage onto buses, leaving no room for strollers. To address the problem, the city in May introduced a "stroller symbol" on the front of buses, and is calling for passengers to share space with those pushing buggies. Meanwhile as the buses serve both locals and tourists, users are hoping for drastic measures to improve the situation.

Blue stroller symbols on all city buses

The Kyoto Municipal Transportation Bureau on May 18 started displaying blue stroller symbols on the front of all 801 of its city buses next to the destination. Since fiscal 2010, it has created spaces for strollers in the middle of buses and provided belts at two locations to hold them fast so passengers don't have to fold them up when boarding. A stroller mark used to be posted near the entrance of buses, but the bureau decided to place larger marks on the front in a position that would stand out.

The changes were sparked by congestion as demand outweighs supply. With an increase in inbound tourists, the number of visitors to Kyoto is approaching pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels. The city, however, reduced the number of buses when demand fell during the pandemic, and as a result, it now has 21 fewer buses in operation compared with the 822 it was running in 2019.

Buses catering to large luggage introduced

Large luggage has also contributed to the lack of space. The problem of "overtourism" had been pointed out from before the pandemic, and to ease congestion, the city in 2019 introduced 62 buses with space set aside for luggage, some with room for six carry-on bags and others being able to fit two.

In a news conference and video in March, Kyoto Mayor Daisaku Kadokawa called for tourists to refrain from carrying large baggage onto city buses. In addition to recommending the use of luggage storage facilities and coin lockers at train stations, the city is promoting a "Hands Free Kyoto" service offering baggage delivery between the train station, airport and accommodation facilities, allowing people to sightsee empty-handed. However, due to the increased cost for users and lack of publicity, it is difficult to say that this service has taken root.

Tourists also say carrying infants on buses is hard

A 36-year-old woman from Kyoto's Sakyo Ward waiting for a city bus with a stroller carrying a 2-year-old child commented, "It started to get crowded this spring, and I'm afraid of getting looks from other passengers, so it's difficult for me to get on (with a stroller). The stroller symbols are better than nothing, but if they're really aiming to create a city where it's easy to raise children, then I want them to implement a system where people can get on with a stroller as a matter of course."

Tourists with strollers have faced the same problem. One 35-year-old man from Spain who visited Kyoto with four family members including an infant, said he folded up the baby's stroller when he saw the bus was packed. He said he got by as other family members helped hold their luggage, but it was difficult holding the infant in his arms in a full bus. He added it would be good if Kyoto became a place where it was easy to go sightseeing even with young children.

Crowding on city buses is also a serious problem for people in wheelchairs and those with physical disabilities. There are strong calls for the city to increase the number of buses and boost convenience, but those come at a financial cost. A municipal transportation bureau official called for understanding, saying, "We can't immediately increase the number of buses due to a shortage of drivers. We'd like people to make way for each other so that everyone can use them with peace of mind."

(Japanese original by Norikazu Chiba, Kyoto Bureau)