B-ぐる

In April, Bunkyo-ku launched a community bus service that circuits the ward’s public offices and major parks. It’s a convenience for people who need to get across town to the tax office or are back-and-forthing between city hall and hospitals or taking their kids to the park. The bus runs every 20 minutes between 7 am and 8 pm and a full circuit of the ku takes 65 minutes.
I am delighted that this is how my tax money is being put to use. Not because I ride the bus, I haven’t yet, but because I love the name of the service. The B in B-ぐる stands for Bunkyo and くる is the verb “to come” so that makes nice sense. The part that makes me grin is that B−ぐる is pronounced like beagle and the mascot is a a beagle wearing orange pants.
From August through October, B−ぐる is teaming up with local cafes to offer discounts if you show them your one day ticket. The campaign page has all the details and even tells you what stop is closest. And in another campaign, if you save up 12 one-day tickets, you can redeem them for a B−ぐる shopping bag or commuter pass holder.
Bunkyo-ku rocks. And rolls, too.