CHIBA, Japan - A free bike-sharing service was launched Wednesday to help commuters travel along a railway section in Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo, where train operations remain suspended following landslides caused by a typhoon late last month.
The Chiba prefectural government decided to offer the service as replacement buses connecting Nagaura and Anegasaki stations on the JR Uchibo Line face delays due to traffic congestion, leaving commuters with long waits.
Some 7,000 to 8,000 passengers a day use the bus service, which has been offered since train operations between the stations were suspended due to landslides caused by Typhoon Dujuan.
It is the first time that a free bike-sharing service has been used in response to a disaster.
The year's 25th typhoon brought record rainfall to eastern Japan last month, leaving at least 12 people dead and causing flooding and widespread power and water outages in Chiba Prefecture.
The prefecture has prepared 130 electric-assist bicycles for the service and plans to increase the number to 300.
The bicycles can be used only between the two stations and fees are free for up to 12 hours.
A 37-year-old public servant from Kimitsu who commutes to Chiba city said he had to wait around 30 minutes to board a replacement bus.
"I wanted to make better use of my time (by using the bicycles)," he said. "It's a route I don't normally take, so I think I can enjoy my commute as if I were on a trip."
A man said cycling took about the same amount of time as traveling by bus.
"With the replacement bus, I worry about not knowing when I'll arrive, so I feel more at ease using bicycles," he said.
