Ashiya Bus Fare Subsidy for Residents 70 and Older to Be Revised in October with Some Paying More on Select Hankyu Bus and Minato Kanko Bus Routes

Ashiya City’s “Senior Citizen Bus Fare Subsidy Program” is being revised, and the subsidy rate will change from October 1, 2026 (Reiwa 8).

If you live in Ashiya City and are age 70 or older—or have a family member who qualifies, you may want to take note. This information was published on Ashiya City’s official website and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

Quoted from the official Ashiya City website

Ashiya City’s Senior Citizen Bus Fare Subsidy Program

What kind of program is it?

The program is available to Ashiya residents age 70 or older and subsidizes fares on Hankyu Bus routes and certain Minato Kanko Bus routes operating within the city. It has reportedly been offered for many years to help senior citizens get out and about.

Why is it changing?

As the number of senior citizens in Ashiya continues to grow, maintaining the program in its current form has become increasingly difficult. The city therefore decided to revise the program so that it can remain sustainable for years to come.

What is changing?

Starting October 1, 2026 (Reiwa 8), the subsidies for both Hankyu Bus and Minato Kanko Bus will change. Since the new details differ between the two operators, we’ve summarized them below.

Changes to the Hankyu Bus Senior Citizen Fare Discount Pass

• Current subsidy (through September 30): 50% off the fare (rounded up to the nearest ¥10). Example: ¥250 → ¥130
• New subsidy (from October 1): 30% off the fare (rounded up to the nearest ¥10). Example: ¥250 → ¥180

For a ¥250 fare, passengers will pay about ¥50 more.

Changes to Minato Kanko Bus

• Current subsidy (through September 30): 50% off the fare
• New subsidy (from October 1): ¥100 off the fare (example: ¥210 → ¥110)

Unlike Hankyu Bus, the discount will change from a percentage-based subsidy to a flat-rate discount. The amount by which passengers’ costs increase will depend on the fare, so keep that in mind.

No action is required from users in connection with the change in subsidy rates—the new rates will apparently be applied automatically.

Two Subsidy Options for Hankyu Bus

For Hankyu Bus, eligible residents can use either option 1 or 2 below. Please note that the two options cannot be used together.

1. Hankyu Bus Fare Discount Pass (IC Card)

• An IC card that can be used on Hankyu Bus routes operating within the city
• Tap the card reader when boarding and exiting the bus
• The card must be topped up in advance; cash payments are not accepted
• Please note that simply showing the card is not sufficient
• The subsidy will change on October 1 (from 50% off to a 30% subsidy)

2. Subsidy Toward the Purchase of a hanica Hankyu Grand Pass 70

This is a new subsidy that began on June 1, 2026 (Reiwa 8).

• Grand Passes valid for one year, six months, or three months with a start date of June 1, 2026 or later are eligible
• One-month passes are not eligible
• The subsidy is generally 30% of the purchase price, rounded down to the nearest ¥100
• Both the Grand Pass retail price and subsidy amount will change from September 1

Grand Pass Subsidies Through August 31, 2026 (Reiwa 8)

• 3-month pass: ¥15,700 → ¥4,000 subsidy (¥11,700 paid by the user)
• 6-month pass: ¥29,700 → ¥8,000 subsidy (¥21,700 paid by the user)
• 1-year pass: ¥53,600 → ¥16,000 subsidy (¥37,600 paid by the user)

Grand Pass Subsidies From September 1, 2026 (Reiwa 8)

• 3-month pass: ¥20,900 → ¥5,300 subsidy (¥15,600 paid by the user)
• 6-month pass: ¥39,600 → ¥10,700 subsidy (¥28,900 paid by the user)
• 1-year pass: ¥71,400 → ¥21,400 subsidy (¥50,000 paid by the user)

Be sure to check the official Ashiya City website for details.

How and Where to Apply

Residents who have turned 70, as well as people age 70 or older who have moved into Ashiya, are eligible. Simply bring proof of identity, such as your My Number Card, to the Senior Welfare Section counter at Ashiya City Hall (first floor of the South Building).

Here’s the location on the map ↓

The address is 7-6 Seidocho, Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture (Ashiya City Hall).

In Closing

If you’re an Ashiya resident age 70 or older—or have a family member who is—you may want to keep these changes in mind before October. One slightly confusing point is that the changes differ by operator: Hankyu Bus will offer a 30% subsidy, while Minato Kanko Bus will provide a ¥100 discount. For more information, check the official Ashiya City website.

■■■Send Us Your Tips!■■■