JR East has announced that SL Ginga will end its service by Spring 2023 due to the age of its KiHa 141 DMUs purchased from JR Hokkaido, which are approaching 40 years old (they were converted from 50 Series passenger cars in the early 90s). A new replacement is being considered
https://www.jreast.co.jp/press/2021/morioka/20211119_mr01.pdf>>1734357I believe that's what the towns along that section are still in talks with JR Hokkaido regarding that, and now there are plans of converting the section of Hakodate Main Line between Yoichi and Otaru with BRT
https://tabiris.com/archives/hokkaido-heikozairaisen20211101/ 