Saitama Bus Service for People with Disabilities to Be Discontinued Due to Driver Shortage

A long-running bus service for people with disabilities in Saitama Prefecture will be discontinued at the end of the fiscal year due to a shortage of drivers and the wider availability of lift-equipped charter buses from private operators, the prefectural government said. The Oozora-go, a 40-seat bus donated over decades by Musashino Bank, has served thousands annually since 1973, offering affordable group travel for disability organizations. Advocates have expressed disappointment, saying the service promoted social participation for people with disabilities, while Governor Motohiro Ōno said the prefecture will consider alternative measures in light of user feedback and social changes. Episode notes: ‘Bus Service for People with Disabilities to Be Discontinued Due to Driver Shortage’: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2025/10/13/bus-service-for-people-with-disabilities-to-be-discontinued-due-to-driver-shortage/