Fukushima Rinkai Railway Considers Passenger Service Revival for New J2 Iwaki FC Stadium After 50 Years
Fukushima Rinkai Railway, which operates in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture, has revealed it is considering resuming passenger operations on the section connecting JR Joban Line Izumi Station and the Onahama Port area. This move is in response to the planned construction of a new stadium for the J2 football team Iwaki FC. The company ceased passenger services in 1972, meaning its realization would mark the revival of passenger transport after approximately 50 years. Concerns about parking shortages during matches at the new stadium planned for Iwaki City's Onahama Port have emerged. Estimates suggest a deficit of up to 3,200 parking spaces around Aquamarine Park alone if matches coincide with the Golden Week holidays, typically from April to May. In response to this issue, the conversion of Fukushima Rinkai Railway to passenger service has surfaced as a potential new transportation solution. This development was also discussed at an expert panel meeting in Iwaki City, where compan...