the nesugoshi kyusai bus (literally, overslept rescue bus)
It’s happened to the best of us: you have one too many drinks, catch the last train, fall asleep and wake up at the final stop. Well Tokyo must be one of the most thoughtful and caring cities because during the month of December, the Nishi Tokyo Bus Company will operate a nesugoshi kyusai bus (overslept rescue bus) that will meet passengers at the final stop and carry them back.
The rescue bus was actually the brainchild of one of the drivers, who pitched it to the company and they’ve been offering the service for the past 4 years. Last year 75 people utilized the service.
Once again this year the rescue bus will operate on Friday evenings during December (specifically, the 8th 15th and 22nd ) because that’s when the majority of the New Year’s parties take place, hence the high occurrence of oversleeping folks.
Service is limited to those who ride the Chuo-line but the rescue bus will be awaiting you at 12:55 when the final train pulls into the final stop at Takao Station. It will then work its way back to Hachioji Station making several stops along the way. You can see the full timetable on the company’s website. There’s a pretty hefty fee of 800 yen though, which would probably make me just call a taxi.
