“Anyone know where the K-labeled bus goes?” someone asks. Today we are exploring the Tokyo Metropolitan Bus Minami-Senju Bus Depot. It is a vital hub in Tokyo’s extensive public transportation network. Let’s dive into its story.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Bus Minami-Senju Bus Depot plays a key role in the Toei Bus system. The Toei Bus is operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation. This bureau oversees many bus routes in Tokyo’s special wards. It also services Ōme in the western Tama Area. The Minami-Senju Bus Depot is identified by the Latin letter K.
The Toei Bus began in 1923 as the Tokyo City Bus. This was an emergency measure after the Great Kantō earthquake damaged streetcar lines. In 1942, Tokyo City acquired eight bus companies. In 1943, the bureau became the Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation. This change mirrored the city’s shift to a metropolis.
After World War II, the Toei Bus received 400 surplus buses from the U.S. force. This helped its recovery. Tourist bus services were assigned to Hato Bus in 1948. The Toei Bus faced financial difficulties starting in 1961. New bus routes replaced closed streetcar lines after 1963. In 1975, the bureau took over routes in Ōme from Seibu Bus.
As of February 2022, Toei Bus operates approximately 200 routes. These routes cover a total length of 1,103 kilometers. The system includes 1,467 bus vehicles serving 1,639 bus stops. The Toei Bus system has twelve bus depots and seven branch offices. The Minami-Senju Bus Depot has two branch offices: the Aoto Branch Office and the Aoto Garage.
The Toei Bus boasts an official mascot named Minkuru. Minkuru is a bug-like personification of a bus vehicle. The buses are equipped with accessibility features. These include non-step buses with kneeling functions.
Several bus routes operate from Minami-Senju. Route Higashi 42-1 travels from Minami-Senju Station’s West Exit to Asakusabashi and Tokyo Station. Route Higashi 42-2 also runs from Minami-Senju Station’s West Exit to Asakusabashi and Higashi-Kanda. Route Higashi 42-3 connects Minami-Senju-Shako to the Riverside Sports Center and Asakusa-Kaminarimon. Route Nishiki 40 travels from Minami-Senju Station’s East Exit to Tokyo Skytree Station and Kinshichō Station. Route Ue 46 serves Minami-Senju Station’s East Exit. It goes to Asakusa-Kotobukichō and Ueno-Matsuzakaya. Route Ue 46 also connects Minami-Senju-Shako to Asakusa-Kotobukichō and Ueno-Matsuzakaya. Route To 08 links Nippori Station to Kinshichō Ekimae. It goes via Senzoku and Oshiage.
The Minami-Senju Bus Depot is an important part of this network. It ensures smooth operations and maintenance of the buses. It supports Tokyo’s public transit system. So next time you see a Toei Bus remember the vital role of the Tokyo Metropolitan Bus Minami-Senju Bus Depot.