Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan -- New changes to the Hiroshima Airport Transportation Service here went into effect Monday.
The primary reason the service was started was to provide service members and their families with an easy, convenient way to get from the airport to the air station while executing permanent change of station and temporary additional duty orders, but since the return of the Patriot Express, the service is no longer needed for this reason.
“Its original intent was to ensure PCS into Japan was a positive experience. A side benefit of the service was that TAD and leisure travelers had a convenient way to commute to the airport,” said Christopher J. Reitman, Marine Corps Community Services deputy marketing officer.
“With the return of the Patriot Express, we had experienced a large decrease in patronage. The requirement for the previous service was no longer in demand,” said Reitman.
Previously, an Information, Tours and Travel representative would wait by the arrival gates with a sign, directing inbound service members to the shuttle waiting outside. With the new changes in effect, an IT&T representative will no longer be present at the airport or on the shuttle.
The major change, however, is that reservations must be made 48 hours in advance to ensure proper planning for which vehicle will be sent so that no one is left behind. Seats are given on a first-come, first-served basis, and payment is due to secure a seat.
The shuttle arrives at the Crossroads Mall entrance here daily at 4:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., departing at 5 a.m. and 5 p.m. respectively. The travel time is approximately 90 minutes. Drop-off locations upon return to the air station include the Crossroads Mall, temporary lodging facilities, Kintai Inn, North side MarineMart and Building 1.
The cost is $60 per person. However, a discount is offered for families travelling together. The first person pays full price and all other family members pay half price. The discount is not available for anyone travelling on official orders because the cost is reimbursable.
“If you are in the United States, you must make reservations through your sponsor,” said Reitman. “Sponsors should contact MCCS Relocation Assistance at 253-3311 for help.”
For more information on the shuttle service or to make a reservation, call the IT&T office at 253-4377.