Why Tokyo's Metro Is Profitable and New York City’s Isn’t | WSJ U.S. vs. Japan
The Wall Street Journal・5 minutes read
Japan's train system is highly efficient, ranking globally, while the U.S. lags at 11th place, showcasing a significant performance gap. Tokyo's subway system serves 15 million daily riders, far exceeding New York's ridership, with a vast difference in usage and network connectivity.
Insights
- Tokyo's subway system in Japan accommodates around 15 million daily riders, showcasing a vast difference in usage compared to New York's system.
- Japan's substantial government funding for public transportation, including ownership of Tokyo Metro, contrasts starkly with the financial struggles of the MTA in the U.S., which operates at a loss and accumulates substantial debt.
Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free
Recent questions
Why is Japan's train system considered efficient?
Extensive network reduces congestion, offers seamless commuting.
How many daily riders does Tokyo's subway system accommodate?
Around 15 million daily riders, significantly more than New York.
What sets Tokyo's rail system apart from New York's?
Integrated payment system, extensive network, reduces unnecessary transfers.
How does Japan fund its public transportation?
Substantial government funding, national government owns Tokyo Metro.
What challenges does the MTA face in comparison to Tokyo's system?
MTA operates at a loss, accumulates substantial debt.
Related videos
RMTransit
The Largest Rail System In the World | Tokyo’s Urban Railways Explained
RMTransit
Shinkansen: The World's Greatest High Speed Railway | Japan High Speed Rail Explained
Bright Trip
Tokyo's Train System, EXPLAINED
RMTransit
How Learning from Japan Could Transform Our Railways
Inaka Adventure
How to Spend 5 Days in TOKYO - Japan Travel Itinerary
Summary
00:00
Japan's Efficient Train System Outshines U.S.
- Japan's train system is ranked as the most efficient globally, with the U.S. lagging at 11th place, highlighting a significant disparity in performance.
- Tokyo's subway system accommodates around 15 million daily riders, dwarfing New York's ridership by approximately 11 million, showcasing a vast difference in usage.
- Tokyo's rail system excels due to its extensive network of connections, reducing congestion and unnecessary transfers, offering a seamless commuting experience.
- Tokyo's integrated payment system, utilizing one or two cards for most public transportation, contrasts with New York's fragmented payment methods, requiring multiple tickets for various rail systems.
- Japan's substantial government funding for public transportation, with the national government owning a significant portion of Tokyo Metro, stands in stark contrast to the MTA's financial struggles, operating at a loss and accumulating substantial debt.
