Gourtto STORY (Winter 2021)

The City of Yokohama, Transportation Bureau magazine "Gurutto" introduces people who work on municipal subways and buses under the title "Works STATION."
This series focuses on the backside of municipal transportation, which is hard to know in daily life. We will deliver interviews that did not fit in the magazine as a web-only article!　This time, we have an interview with Shinsuke Miyaya, a crew member of Akai (Honmaki Sales Office).

[Aikutsu to watch the development of the Bayside Area]
Among the Yokohama municipal buses, "Akaikutsu" is particularly noticeable with classical design.
This year marks the 16th year since it started operation in 2005. The driving route has been adjusted in line with changes in the bayside area where development is progressing. Currently, it departs from Sakuragicho Station and travels to popular tourist spots in Yokohama, including Yokohama Hammerhead, which opened in 2019, Harbor View Park (Minato-no-Mieru Oka Koen) and Osanbashi Passenger Terminal.

A light shoe running in the bayside area

There are times when you visit sightseeing spots, and the main customers are tourists. Vehicles smaller than general blue and beige municipal buses are custom-made. The car body and the inside of the car, inspired by the old tram, have a retro atmosphere. The steps are packed with the uniqueness of Yokohama, such as reminiscent of Aka Renga Soko.

Inside the car

Steps that feel the uniqueness of Yokohama

There are only 9 red shoes at Honmoku Sales Office, in total. On Saturdays and Sundays, when the number of diamonds is large, eight of them operate. About 15 crew members are driving on other routes every day, and they are not always on board.
The municipal bus crew wears a light blue Y-shirt, but the light shoe crew wears a pink Y-shirt and a red striped tie. Be careful on the day when you put your shoes on other routes. "There is no problem with a light blue Y-shirt, but the seniors who have been riding a light shoe for many years have changed clothes more firmly. I'm not sure if it's hiding, but I think it's a professionalism."

[Crewers with high driving skills]
Mr. Miyaya has been driving a general municipal bus at Honmoku Sales Office since joining the office in 2015. About four years ago, I learned that I was looking for a flight attendant. It is said that they are not recruiting regularly, and that screening will be conducted only when vacancies appear or when the schedule is revised. "Akai shoes are a popular bus, so it seems that about 20 people took the exam when I was selected. I was selected as one of them. It's a test in which the judges ride anonymously on the bus they drive, but I was nervous."

Mr. Miyaya who answers the interview

Miyaya came to Yokohama for the first time after passing the Transportation Bureau exam. Many of the purposes of passengers getting on the red shoes is sightseeing. Therefore, I studied on my own sightseeing spots in Yokohama so that I could answer whatever I asked. "Many customers are also looking up and riding in advance, so I wasn't asked much questions," says Miyaya, laughing. However, the knowledge gained by himself is still useful.
Miyaya has also been appointed as the mustard Leiber municipal bus system, which began in April 2011. It is said that both the crew of the testimony and Masterd Leiber are selected only crew members who have excellent driving skills and customer service.

Under the spread of COVID-19, the driver's seat has a transparent partition.

Mr. Miyaya is driving a bright shoe that represents Yokohama. I often take care of it because it is a bus with a characteristic design. "I'm conscious that the words I've already retired senior crew members shouldn't get an accident." In the event of an accident, the blush will stand out. Because it is a bus that has been running in Yokohama for many years, we strive to drive safely and safely in order to protect not only customers but also their image.

[In order for customers to enjoy]
Miyaya says, "I try to drive as slowly as possible depending on the operation status." While driving, a voice announcement is being made to introduce famous places. In such a situation, instead of running away immediately, we try to drive only a bus that runs in sightseeing spots so that customers can enjoy it carefully.
"A customer who came to Yokohama 40 years ago was on board and talked about various things. He said, "It was like this in the past," and when I saw him retrospective, my heart was so relaxed."

Light shoes with illumination

Miyaya says that the night view of Landmark Plaza Shopping Center from Bankokubashi Bridge and Minato Mirai from Osanbashi have beautiful night views. Every December, an illumination bus that lasts more than 20 years will run. It seems that the elementary school near each sales office cooperates and decorates illuminations. "When the bus is completed, I will carry elementary school students and drive to Daikoku Wharf." Last year it was canceled due to the spread of COVID-19, but this year's efforts are expected.