JR北海道が芦別、赤平、鷲別の3駅を無人化すると発表しました。芦別は私の生まれ故郷。
Japan Railways Hokkaido publicly announced that three stations in the city of Ashibetsu, Akabira , and Washibetsu will be un-manned. Ashibetsu is where I was born.
同社によると、安全対策の強化と経営改善のために経費節減を進めており、
In their official statement, JR is in the process of implementing cost-saving policies to improve operations through efficient maintenance and ensure passenger safety.
これにより1駅１年あたり1000万円の経費節減がみこまれるとか。
A total of up to 10 million can be saved on both maintenance and labor costs through this initiative per station per year.
ここ数年事故が続いたJR北海道、後処理に莫大な出費がかさみました。
Over the past several years, JR Hokkaido had to spend significant expenses for a series of accidents that they had caused.
中央政府からの特別融資がなければやっていけない状態。
They are unable to do without the special fund from the central government.
従って無人化によるコスト削減は避けて通れないのでしょう。
So removing station staff would be inevitable.
なんだか心にぽっかり穴が空いた気分がするなあ。
I feel like there’s a hole in my heart.
私にとって、駅はただ列車を乗り降りする場所ではなく、人生のいろんなストーリーに根付いています。
To me, railroad stations were not only places to get on or off the train but also deeply rooted in my individual life stories.
例えば初めて彼女をデートに誘った時の待ち合わせ場所は駅でした。
For instance, I remember my first time to go on a date. I waited for her to show up at the station
母危篤の知らせを聞いて列車に飛び乗り、駅に着いて訃報を知らされ「間に合わなかったよ、ごめんおふくろ」と泣いたこともありました。
I also remember jumping on the train after hearing that my mother was dying in the hospital. I got to the destination station, when I got the text that she had just passed away. I dropped on my knees, saying “Sorry, mom. I couldn’t make it in time to see you.”
一つ一つの嬉しい悲しい思い出に駅が登場している気がします。
Each one of those good, happy and sad memories is connected with railroad stations.