Illustrated News
Metro in Japan gets serious about disability access
June 6, 2022
Summary
In April, Tokyo Metro announced modest fare increases — the first in 28 years — with the funds allotted specifically for upgrades and maintenance aimed at improving accessibility.
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In an email, a Tokyo Metro spokesperson said that a new “barrier-free fare system” will include elevator and platform-screen door improvements at all stations. Beyond the infrastructure improvements, the rail operator is also hiring service assistants and conducting training for staffers on the new barrier-free features.
A new bilingual website called “Smooth Metro” offers route maps focusing on barrier-free accommodations to help guide disabled riders through the vast network of stations.
“Whenforeign visitors return to Tokyo,” says Tokyo Metro’s spokesperson, “we would like them to use the subway with peace of mind.”
[https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-06-02/in-japan-transit-accessibility-gets-an-overdue-boost](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-06-02/in-japan-transit-accessibility-gets-an-overdue-boost)