THE ASAHI SHIMBUN
August 9, 2024 at 13:16 JST
A notice at JR Tokyo Station announces that trains will operate at reduced speeds on Aug. 9. (Naoko Kawamura)
Bon holiday travel will be disrupted due to precautionary measures being taken by rail companies following a government warning after a major earthquake struck off Miyazaki Prefecture on Aug. 8.
The Japan Meteorological Agency issued the Nankai Trough Earthquake Extra Information (Megathrust Earthquake Alert), which calls on the public to take precautions against a possible megaquake over the next week.
Central Japan Railway Co. (JR Tokai) on Aug. 8 announced that it will operate the Tokaido Shinkansen between Mishima and Mikawa-Anjo stations at a reduced maximum speed of 230 kph from 285 kph on both the inbound and outbound lines.
The purpose of lowering the top speed is to minimize damage in the event of an earthquake by reducing the time it takes for bullet trains to stop.
The slowdown is expected to continue for about a week. It is expected to cause at least 10 minutes of delays for trains traveling on the route.
The disruption will affect packed trains as Aug. 9 to 18 is the peak Bon holiday season when many travelers use the Shinkansen.
JR Tokai has scheduled many extra bullet trains to accommodate the increased number of passengers.
On Aug. 9, the Tokaido Shinkansen will operate a record 483 trains per day.
JR Tokai said that trains running between Mishima and Mikawa-Anjo stations are expected to be delayed by 10 minutes or more, and that as the number of trains in operation increases each day, delays on each train are also expected to increase.
But for now, there are no plans to suspend services, JR Tokai said.
West Japan Railway Co. (JR West) on Aug. 9 said that for the time being, the Kinokuni Line’s “Kuroshio” express train will not operate between Wakayama and Shirahama/Shingu stations.
The “Nanki” limited express train running between Nagoya and Shingu/Kii-Katsuura will be canceled the entire day for the time being.
East Japan Railway Co. (JR East) on Aug. 8 announced that trains between Hiratsuka and Atami on the Tokaido Line, and between Atami and Ito on the Ito Line, and between Otsuki and Chino on the Chuo Line will run at reduced speeds for the time being.
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