【快速廃止】猛反発で京葉線が見直し？利便性も運行効率も悪い？混雑緩和は？ひろゆきと考える｜アベプラ

Summary

JR East Japan's announcement to discontinue the Commuter Rapid and Rapid services during rush hours on the Keiyo Line, connecting Soga Station in Chiba City to Tokyo Station over 43km, sparked controversy. The decision, viewed as highly unusual and without precedent, aimed to review part of the timetable in response to intense backlash from local residents, businesses, and the Chiba municipal government, who argued the changes failed to consider future urban development. The Keiyo Line, a vital commuter artery linking Tokyo with Chiba City and hosting popular attractions like Disney Resort and Makuhari Messe, plays a crucial role in the region's economy and daily transit. The proposed discontinuation threatened to extend travel times significantly, affecting commuters and local economic activities, leading to serious security concerns including threats to public safety. Amidst this turmoil, JR East Japan reversed its decision, highlighting the critical balance between operational efficiency and community needs in urban transit planning.

Takeaways

• 🛣️ JR East announced the discontinuation of the Commuter Rapid and Rapid services during rush hours on the Keiyo Line, sparking controversy.
• 📊 After backlash from local residents, businesses, and the Chiba City government, JR East decided to review and ultimately reversed the decision to discontinue these services.
• 🚨 Concerns were raised about the impact on commuting times and economic activities along the line, with travel times potentially increasing from 40 to 60 minutes between Soga and Tokyo.
• 📖 The Keiyo Line is a critical commuter artery linking Tokyo with Chiba City and hosts popular destinations like the Disney Resort and Makuhari Messe.
• 🛤️ The revision of the timetable after its announcement is highly unusual, indicating strong opposition influenced JR East's decision-making.
• 🚧 A threatening incident involving a bomb threat to Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea was reported, heightening security concerns and demonstrating the severity of public reaction.
• 📰 Local officials, including the mayor of Ichinomiya Town, strongly advocated for the importance of the rapid services in maintaining regional connectivity and population stability.
• 🔧 Discussions highlighted the balance between operational efficiency and user convenience, suggesting alternative solutions like premium pricing for rapid services.
• 💻 The debate underscored the necessity for careful planning and consultation with communities before implementing significant changes to public transportation services.
• 🚲 The situation illustrates the broader challenges of managing public transit in a way that supports both regional development and the operational sustainability of transportation companies.

Q & A

Why did JR East decide to eliminate some express trains on the Jōban Line?

To help even out passenger congestion and improve convenience for stations with only local train stops.

How would eliminating express trains negatively impact areas along the Jōban Line?

It would greatly increase travel times to Tokyo, hurting local economies and viability of living in those areas.

Why is direct access to Tokyo so important for Ichikawa's viability?

Surveys show it's the main attractive factor drawing people to live there despite declines in surrounding areas.

How could eliminating express trains also hurt JR East's efficiency?

Local trains are more costly to operate than express trains per passenger due to more stops and slower speeds.

What consultation with local authorities was missing prior to the initial plan announcement?

JR East seemingly did not sufficiently consult with local governments and residents to account for the major impacts.

What are some alternatives for addressing overcrowding issues without eliminating expresses?

Options like stopping some expresses at major intermediate stations to disperse passengers were proposed.

What financial incentives could local towns provide to maintain status quo?

Proposals like subsidizing JR East or buying company stock to gain influence as shareholders.

How has JR East's focus changed from its origins as a railway operator?

There is more emphasis on real estate and ancillary businesses rather than transit operations.

Why would totally eliminating express trains likely be unfeasible?

It would excessively damage both customer convenience and operating efficiency.

What recourse do local authorities have to influence decision making?

They have limited options, but could try increasing financial ownership stakes in JR East.