Photo/Illutration The Yukemuri express train (Provided by Nagano Electric Railway Co.)

NAGANO--Citing a driver shortage, Nagano Electric Railway Co. said it will cut by half the number of limited express services between Sept. 11 and Dec. 10.

It currently operates 20 limited express services a day.

A chronic driver shortage due to retirement has made it difficult for the company to maintain staffing at the current level.

Ten limited express services will be affected by the cutback, including five departing from Suzaka and Nagano stations bound for Yudanaka Station and five departing from Yudanaka and Shinshunakano stations bound for Nagano Station.

The operator currently has 31 drivers.

Although the company has asked them to work on their days off, it has become increasingly difficult to maintain the daily schedule.

A special train where passengers can drink wine, which usually operates in the fall, will be suspended to help curb the number of reduced services.

“It will be a nuisance for customers when there are more foreign tourists and the autumn sightseeing season is about to begin, but we had to make the tough decision,” said a company representative.

Nagano Electric Railway is currently training two new drivers to resume regular operations, the official added.

“We are considering the future of the entire public transportation system, but we must maintain public transportation in local areas even if it means we devote public funding,” Nagano Governor Shuichi Abe told an Aug. 9 news conference.

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