#Japan #Hitachi #Sagamihara #Sagamihara Railway #Accessibility Service

Enhancing Accessibility with Innovative Technology

Sagamihara Railway Co., part of the Sotetsu Group, has announced the integration of a cutting-edge support service developed by Hitachi for passengers with mobility constraints. This collaboration aims to elevate the experience for those requiring assistance at railway stations, set to begin operations on May 1, 2025.

The Support Service Explained

The newly introduced service allows station staff to assist passengers, including those using wheelchairs or white canes, seamlessly on smart devices. By utilizing IC tags placed at platform doors, staff can quickly scan the tags with their devices to automatically record the boarding and alighting positions. This innovative solution significantly reduces the risk of human errors that could lead to mistakes in entry or exit points, contributing to a safer public transportation experience.

A Step Towards Enhanced Safety

Through this service, Sagamihara Railway is working toward a comprehensive safety infrastructure, aiming to install platform doors at all stations by the first half of 2026. The implementation of IC tag connectivity to prevent mistakes in both boarding and alighting positions emphasizes a commitment to customer safety and peace of mind. The tags will help automate the process, thus decreasing the potential for human error in critical operations.

Background and Development

Launched in August 2022, the service developed by Hitachi re-imagines the traditional methods of passenger assistance, which relied heavily on telephone or verbal communication. Now, staff can manage everything from the point of service registration to performance tracking on a smart device. Following its implementation, multiple railway operators in the Kanto region have adopted the service, which has already proven effective in enhancing safety and reducing the workload and stress levels of station staff.

Addressing Remaining Challenges

Despite its successes, the service has revealed some challenges, such as errors in entering boarding door positions and miscommunications about waiting areas. In response, Sagamihara Railway will incorporate the newly added options—boarding position detection and alighting position error prevention—by August 2024, further refining the assistance process.

Future Plans

Sagamihara Railway's commitment to maintaining and evolving this service includes gathering customer feedback and insights from station staff who engage directly with passengers daily. By collaborating with Hitachi, they aim to enhance customer convenience and solidify a safer travel environment.

Hitachi also plans to continue upgrading the service by introducing new functionalities that address the needs of transport operators, ensuring the continued improvement of safe transportation for customers.

About Sagamihara Railway

Operating over 42.2 kilometers, Sagamihara Railway connects Yokohama with Ebina, and extends to other lines such as the Izumino Line and the Shinyokohama Line. The integration of services with JR East for direct operations to Shibuya and Shinjuku, as well as connections to Tokyu Electric Railways, reflects Sagamihara Railway's commitment to efficiency and convenience for its users.

For more information about Sagamihara Railway and its initiatives, visit their official website here.

About Hitachi

Hitachi, established as a leader in technology and innovation, is dedicated to shaping a harmonious society where the environment, happiness, and economic growth coexist. Their business model revolves around social innovation, focusing on sectors such as Digital Systems & Services, Energy, and Mobility. In the fiscal year 2024, Hitachi aims to achieve a revenue of 9.783 trillion yen and employs approximately 280,000 individuals globally.

For more details about Hitachi's initiatives, visit their website here.