Movement of conserving the disputing lines by boarding more frequently prevails among citizens along the lines, while continuation or abolition of the lines is discussed.
On Jan 26, members ranging from a chamber of Commerce and Industry, self-defence meeting, high schools, PTA, and NPO are going to think about cooperative plans.
The local government recommend to use the lines when Road Race Championship held by the city is taken place.
Union of self-defence meetings launched a tentative bureau named "Cheer up Utsube・Hachioji Lines, narrow gauge lines. Let us conserve the lines by taking them more frequently!" in order to conserve the rare gauge lines in the world.
They invited more than 19 groups in the city to participate in the movement and is going to hold round-table discussion at Hinaga district community center. The symposium aims at hearing negotiation with Kintetsu and discussing future activities.
They hope to make more than 50000 citizens' signature submitted to Kintetsu lead to actual movement.
Citation: http://www.asahi.com/travel/rail/news/NGY201301170018.html
As far as I know, most of the railway lines that were famous for conservation activities were abandoned after failure of the movement.
What is important for these activists is successive trying.
