On Air: Fukuoka City Information/2013.11.23(Sat)/09:00～

Fukuoka City is making all kinds of efforts to ensure that you can use public transportation easily and conveniently.

One of the ways in which it is doing so is working towards Universal City Fukuoka, making all public transportation barrier free. They have introduced step-less buses, making it easy to get on and off of buses. At railway stations they are installing tactile pavement around elevators and on platforms, as well as multi-purpose use toilets. They are just making it easier and easier for everyone and anyone to use.

And in order to make it easier to get to work, to school, to visit the hospital, to shop and to do other such activities the city works to support regional transport. This means that in suburbs, where fewer and fewer people are choosing to live, the local people and transportation specialists are working to maintain and expand access to transportation by doing things like building new bus stops along routes.

Do you know about the park-and-ride system? The scheme encourages you to park your car at the nearest stations or bus stops and then switch over to public transportation to get around. Doing so alleviates traffic congestion and also reduces CO2 emissions. Fukuoka City has begun testing the program in areas such as Aeon Mall Kashiihama, Konoha Mall Hashimoto, and Aeon Mall Fukuoka Ito within the city, and Aeon Karatsu Shopping Center outside of the city. Give park-and-ride a try and ride to work smart and eco-friendly.

In addition, Nishitetsu is introducing a new one-year, limited-term all-you-can-ride Fukuoka Toshin Daburu Pasu in the central area in the heart of Fukuoka City. The program started October 1st and will be continued on a trial basis for one year. It allows holders to ride any regular Nishitetsu bus service within the area where you can use passes such as the Fukuoka Toshin Furi Teikiken, and any train on the Nishitetsu Tenjin Omuta Line between Fukuoka Station and Takamiya Station. Try the new ticket. Try public transportation!

There are also service options available for visitors to Fukuoka. The transportation industries with Fukuoka City have gotten together to offer foreign guests to the city the option to use its public transportation via a one day free pass, called the Fukuoka Tourist City Pass. It began selling this past October. It connects Fukuoka City’s and Dazaifu’s main tourist attractions. So if you have a friend who's coming to Fukuoka, be sure to let him or her know about this pass!

Also, please don't forget to give priority seats to the elderly, those traveling with children, pregnant women, or those with physical disabilities.

For further information, please call the Transportation System Measures Section of city government by phone at 092-733-5405.