Back in April, then-Tokyo Gov. Naoki Inose proudly announced a grand scheme to launch a 24-hour bus service in the capital. Little did he imagine that his pet project would be getting off the ground just as he was resigning over a scandal.
Around 1 a.m. Dec. 21, a line was waiting in front of Tokyu Plaza at JR Shibuya Station for the launch of the all-night bus service to Roppongi. Run by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the bus will allow people to travel between two of Tokyo's most popular nightlife spots once an hour for ¥400, double the usual fare.
The all-night bus service is aimed at making nighttime travel more affordable and convenient, and at boosting Tokyo's profile ahead of the 2020 Olympics, according to the Transportation Bureau. For now, it is being offered only in the early hours of Saturday to gauge interest and demand.
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