Regarding the revision of the timetable on the JR Keiyo Line, which stipulates the cancellation of rapid and commuter express services in the morning and evening hours, JR East Japan has partially revised the schedule in response to requests from local governments along the line, including Chiba City, and has indicated that it intends to continue operation only on the two rapid trains that go up in the early morning.
JR East Japan announced that in the revision of the timetable to be made in March, the Keiyo Line rapid and commuter rapid trains connecting Chiba City and Tokyo Station will be canceled in the morning and evening hours, and all trains will stop at each station.
In response, there were a series of requests from the prefecture and cities along the line to withdraw the policy, and on the 3th, JR East Japan executives met with Mayor Kamiya of Chiba City to explain their response.
According to the report, the two inbound rapid trains that currently arrive at Tokyo Station around 15:7 a.m. will continue to operate as rapid trains instead of stopping at each station.
In response to the explanation, Mayor Kamiya said, "I am grateful that you accepted the offer and considered it, but the reflection is only a small part and it is still not convincing."
Mr. Tsuchizawa, president of JR East Japan's Chiba branch, said, "We did not think about the impact, and although the revision of the timetable is unusual, we do not think that we have responded to all requests. In the future, we would like to flexibly consider how to operate the system, rather than being bound by the annual revision of the timetable."
Governor Kumagai of Chiba Prefecture: "We have not reached a substantial solution"
Regarding the review of the Keiyo Line timetable revision, Governor Kumagai of Chiba Prefecture said, "I believe that you have taken the harsh opinions seriously and made your utmost efforts, but we have not reached a substantial solution.
Voices of approval and disapproval from users of the Keiyo Line
At Chiba Minato Station in Chuo Ward, Chiba City, users voiced their approval and disapproval of the revision of the Keiyo Line's timetable.
A man in his 50s who lives in Chiba City said, "I thought that I would have to prepare early in the morning when the express was gone, so it would be helpful to have just two bottles left, and it is better than nothing."
A man in his 2s who lives in Ichihara City said, "I want the number of rapid trains to remain the same as before.
A woman in her 70s who lives in Chiba City said, "I think the two rapid trains that are operated will be very congested.