Third-sector railway

In Japan, third-sector railways (第三セクター鉄道, dai-san sekutā tetsudō), sometimes translated as semi-public sector railways, are railways operated by a joint corporation that has been invested in by both public and private sectors, and which maintain a public–private partnership. These lines are most often operated by small companies owned by both a prefectural or municipal government and smaller private interests, who both invest in and manage the line. Third-sector lines are generally former lines of the JR Group – or, before 1987, Japanese National Railways (JNR) – that have been divested from the companies.

Examples of lines that were proposed for abolishment or transfer to third-sector companies throughout the 20th century include the Deficit 83 Lines and specified local lines.