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Enhanced Accessibility Services for Rail Passengers in Japan

On March 3, 2026, four significant railway companies in Japan—Keikyu Corporation, Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation, Keisei Electric Railway, and Hokuso Railway—will implement a new collaborative accessibility service powered by Hitachi Ltd. This move aims to facilitate smoother transitions for passengers with mobility restrictions, including those who use wheelchairs and white canes.

The New Collaborative System

The newly developed service is designed to support station staff in assisting these passengers during boarding and alighting from trains. Utilizing smart devices, staff can now efficiently communicate and coordinate passenger assistance in real-time. By concurrently adopting this service across the four companies, the need for traditional communication methods, such as phone calls or verbal messages, has been significantly reduced. This results in a more effective transfer of information among workers across different railway networks, ultimately increasing the response efficiency in accessibility-related operations.

A Step Forward in Inclusive Transportation

By implementing this new option, it will become notably easier for the station staff to assist passengers when transferring between different lines operated by various companies. Previously, this could lead to miscommunication and delays in assistance as staff relied on phone systems to relay messages for cross-company transfers. With the new system, staff members can access all necessary information through their smart devices, ensuring timely and seamless assistance for all passengers.

Background and Expectations

Historically, the process of supporting passengers needing help with boarding and deboarding trains had been reliant on verbal communication and phone calls. Starting in March 2024, Keikyu and Keisei will adopt this service, while the Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation will follow in April 2025, and Hokuso Railway in October 2025. The goal is to utilize smart devices within stations to boost operational efficiency regarding passenger assistance and to enhance safety and peace of mind for travelers using these services. However, due to the interconnected nature of these four companies' rail networks, the previous communication structure still posed challenges when coordinating assistance across different railway lines. The introduction of this collaborative system addresses these existing issues.

Focus on Safety and Efficiency

With these enhancements, the key reflection will be on providing an optimal atmosphere for passengers with mobility difficulties, ensuring they have a comfortable and responsive transit experience. This system aligns with broader transportation trends focusing more heavily on accessibility and inclusivity, aiding in building a user-friendly railway environment.

Related Information and Contact Details

For more information about Hitachi's mobility support services, you can visit Hitachi's official website.

Contact Information for Each Railway Company:

• - Keikyu Corporation: 03-5789-8686 (9 AM - 5 PM, closed during New Year holidays)
• - Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation: 03-3816-5700 (9 AM - 8 PM, open year-round)
• - Keisei Electric Railway: 0570-081-160 (9 AM - 6 PM, please select option 2)
• - Hokuso Railway: 0570-00-7000 (Weekdays 9 AM - 7 PM, closed on holidays)

These companies are committed to enhancing services for all passengers, making significant strides in reinforcing accessibility within Japan's transportation framework.