Japan’s crowded subways are quite famous on the internet. But how can the subway infrastructure of Japan, which is such a developed country, be in such a ‘bad state’?
In front of almost everyone in Japan overcrowded metro stations videos showing his condition have been dropped for once. In fact, it would not be wrong to say that the officers who gently push people from behind to fit on the train are quite famous on the internet. So, how can the subway infrastructure be so ‘bad’ in the biggest cities of one of the world’s most developed countries?
There are many answers to this question. But before we get to the answers, more importantly, this overcrowding is the result of the train footage being pushed by the officials. that it does not reflect a reality experienced 24/7 in all of Japan. to know. When we do some research, we see that these images are a situation that occurs especially in Tokyo and during very busy hours such as going to work and leaving work.
So what, Tokyo’s subway infrastructure is inadequate?
Every day with drowsiness on the way to work or returning home from the tiredness of the day Imagine getting on a train like this and traveling with that crowd. Pretty annoying. Don’t these people say ‘more subways come, what is this disgrace’? Is Tokyo’s subway infrastructure really inadequate?
No, although this may seem like the reason at first, it would be an absurd claim to say that Tokyo’s subway infrastructure is inadequate. Tokyo Metro, Asia’s first subway system It serves 14 different lines and more than 280 stations. The total length of this subway network, which completely equips Tokyo, is more than 250 km. Moreover, a new train arrives at the station almost every minute. So the problem is definitely not in the subway infrastructure…
So how is the subway infrastructure situation in Tokyo?
To make a little comparison 9 different metro lines in Istanbul, 111 metro stations in total and a metro line length of approximately 140 km. We can say it is. But of course, Tokyo is the most populous city in the world with a population of over 34 million. Istanbul, on the other hand, is slightly behind in the ranking with its population of around 20 million (although the official number is just over 15 million…).
However, next to Istanbul’s 5,343 km² area, Tokyo has an area that is almost half of Istanbul; 2,194 km². well In a city half as big as Istanbul, a subway infrastructure twice as big as Istanbul. we are talking about…
So what exactly is the problem?
The question has multiple answers. A funny answer, many of which would contradict the question ‘is the infrastructure insufficient’;
- Subway infrastructure in Tokyo, and Japan in general, is so good, clean and punctual that everyone has to use it to get everywhere on time. to use the punctual system prefers. Especially on the way to work or on the way home…
- Driving a taxi is a luxury in Japan. This causes many people not to prefer a common option such as a taxi for a fast and safe journey. Because it’s too expensive…
- Considering the crowdedness of the city, people in Tokyo driving from one place to another They understand that it is not a very good idea, and therefore they prefer rail systems.
- Finally, despite the busy subway network in Tokyo, It is said that the bus network is not that busy and useful. Since public transportation vehicles such as buses are not common and not preferred, this density also gets on the back of the metro.
As a result, in the most crowded city of the world, the cost of taxis, the thought of traffic, the fact that buses are not a very useful choice, and the fact that the subways are very punctual and clean take people underground. Even so, At certain times of the day, such an intensity is inevitable.
This is accepted in Tokyo. Even Tokyo’s tourist broadcaster on the official Go Tokyo website ”You must have seen the videos of our gloved officers in crowded stations to push people. Although usually in the morning, especially in the morning If you do not want to be affected by this intensity experienced between 7.30-9.30 and 5.30-7.30 in the evening Do not choose the subway during these hoursThere is even a warning like “…
Sources: The Japan Times, GoWithGuide, Go Tokyo