Japanese Trains
Trains running behind schedule
Japanese trains are known for always being on-time. However, there are cases in which accidents cause delays, but most of them are handled very quickly. Recently, however, delays have been increasing.
I always use the Tokyu Toyoko Line to go to work, but it is late every day. I have been using this line since I was a child, but in these days, the trains always ran on time.
Some possible reasons for these recent delays:
- Accidents which resulted in injury or death
- People on the tracks
- Signal failures
- Medical emergencies
- Mechanical problems
- Time adjustments due to delay of other trains
- Natural disasters, such as earthquake, heavy rain or approaching typhoons
The other day, I heard an announcement that a train had been delayed because someone had dropped a mobile phone on the tracks. In many cases, trains are delayed due to medical emergencies on the train.
However, I believe there must be other reasons for the problems in the transportation system. For example, the Tokyu Toyoko Line extended its service to link up with the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line in March 2013. The aim was to create a new artery for the greater Tokyo area by linking to other lines via the Tokyo Fukutoshin Line from Shibuya.
This was good news for passengers traveling from Saitama to the greater Tokyo area, since it allowed them to enjoy shorter travel time with no need to change trains in Shibuya.
The company said that this helped reduce rush hour congestion at Shibuya Station. In addition, they could increase the number of train departures and reduce operating costs through more efficient operation.
However, a minor delay on one train can have a spillover effect on others, which in turn can throw several more out of kilter. Each of the delayed trains will set off its own ripple effect.
Trains are an integral part of everyday life in Tokyo. We take pride in having the most punctual train system in the world. We hope they train will adopt a more “passengers-friendly” approach.
