Yokohama subway gives elderly, disabled passengers priority to all seats




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Yokohama subway gives elderly, disabled passengers priority to all seats

Mainichi Shimbun , Japan

December 1, 2003

Yokohama 's municipal government-operated subway line has become the first train service in eastern Japan where all seats are designated as priority seats for elderly, disabled and physically burdened passengers.

Elderly travelers hailed the move, but younger commuters weren't too pleased that they'll now be required to give their seats to physically burdened passengers on the train, even when there are tired or not feeling well.

"This is fantastic!" a 73-year-old male company employee said. "It's a huge help."

A 65-year-old woman added, "This is wonderful. I'll be able to sit down whenever I like."

Younger train riders weren't as pleased.

"I only learned about the changes when I rode the train today," a 34-year-old woman said. "I suppose there's not much I can do about it." An 18-year-old schoolboy said, "Sometimes young people can feel sick, too. What are they going to do?"

Until Monday, carriages on the subway line set aside only three seats each for the elderly, disabled or women who were either pregnant or accompanied by small children. However, they will now be given priority access to all 48 seats.

Yokohama Mayor Hiroshi Nakata and local celebrities drummed up support for the changes at Yokohama Station during Monday's rush hour.