Custom and culture: twin pillars of Japan’s rail efficiency

Christian Wolmar Transport writer & broadcaster

THE news that Tokyo Metro, the state-owned company that runs part of the city’s underground network, is to help run the Elizabeth line has led to wry smiles among some commentators. They have been quick to trot out the old stories of people being squeezed into trains like sardines, by white-gloved attendants shouting incomprehensible instructions. They could not be more wrong. Tokyo has adapted to the growth in numbers by providing an astonishing service, and the days of pushing people forcibly onto trains are long gone. I am currently in Tokyo, and have spent much of the past week hopping on and off the Yamanote Line and other parts of this huge network. There are undoubtedly things we can learn from its operation. But there are other aspects that are…

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RAIL (Digital) - 1 Issue, Issue 1024

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