Japanese Bus Driver Loses $84,000 Pension Over $7 Theft

A Japanese bus driver has lost his entire retirement package worth approximately $84,000 after being dismissed for stealing just $7 in fare money—a decision that has now been upheld by the country’s Supreme Court.

The driver, who had served Kyoto City’s public transportation system for 29 years, was caught on surveillance footage in 2022 pocketing a 1,000-yen bill (around $7) from a group of passengers. According to the ruling, the passengers had paid a total of 1,150 yen. The driver directed them to deposit 150 yen in coins into the fare box, while he personally accepted the remaining 1,000 yen but failed to report it as required.

Despite being confronted with the security footage, the driver initially denied the wrongdoing during a meeting with his superior. The city subsequently terminated his employment and withheld his retirement payout, amounting to more than 12 million yen (roughly $84,000).

The driver later took legal action against the city, and a lower court initially ruled in his favor, deeming the punishment disproportionate. However, on Thursday, Japan’s Supreme Court reversed that decision, siding with the Kyoto municipal authorities.

In its final ruling, the court stated that the driver’s actions risked undermining public trust in the city’s transportation system and the integrity of public service operations.

The ruling also noted that this was not the driver’s first disciplinary issue. He had previously received multiple warnings for misconduct, including using an electronic cigarette while on duty—although these incidents reportedly occurred when no passengers were present.

Officials from Kyoto’s public transport bureau welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision. Shinichi Hirai, a spokesperson for the bureau, emphasized the gravity of the breach. “Each bus driver works alone and handles public money. If misconduct like this is not addressed firmly, it could weaken our standards and erode public confidence,” he told AFP.

The case has sparked debate in Japan over the balance between punishment and proportionality, especially in the context of long public service careers. Still, for the city of Kyoto, the integrity of its system took precedence over the years of service.