Donation of a Multi-Purpose School Bus to a Disaster-Affected Area

Project: Transportation Support for Hita City, Ōita Prefecture – Donation of a Multi-Purpose School Bus for Student Commuting and Community Transportation in Disaster-Affected Areas.

Background: In June 2024, heavy rain caused severe damage to the Saburomaru Bridge on National Route 386 in Hita City, Ōita Prefecture, leading to a complete road closure. Many areas in the region lack proper sidewalks, and the frequent passage of large vehicles has created significant safety risks for children commuting to and from school. Schools and parents have voiced deep concern, urging immediate action to improve student safety.

In response to this pressing issue, a school bus was donated to ensure a safe and reliable commuting environment for children. This donation goes beyond providing transportation—it represents a meaningful gesture of support, offering peace of mind and security to local families. In the future, the bus will also serve the broader community by providing transportation for local residents, further improving accessibility and benefiting more people.

Results: The bus began operating on February 12, 2025. Beyond serving schoolchildren within Hita City, it is also planned to be used as part of the city's welfare transportation services, particularly for the elderly and residents who rely on community transport. This initiative has become a vital part of supporting the local public transportation system.