Why Tokyo's Metro Is Profitable and New York City’s Isn’t | WSJ U.S. vs. Japan

The Wall Street Journal2 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.

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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.

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Summary

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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.
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