Talk: Railway Systems and Punctuality in Japan and the UK

Railways, developing around 200 years ago in the UK are considered environmentally sustainable as well as supporting economic growth. Masaru Inoue, one of the Choshu Five who came to study at University College London in 1863, returned to Japan with knowledge of British railway technologies, and since then, Japanese railways have evolved differently from the UK. Today, there is vast potential for both countries to learn from each other. West Midlands Trains, owned jointly by companies including the East Japan Railway Company, is one company we can look to for the exchange of such knowledge and experiences, which started operating its regional services on the West Coast Main Line and in the West Midlands in December 2017.

Focusing on railway systems and punctuality, this seminar will answer the question: what can Japan and the UK learn from each other? The speakers Kazuhiko Aida and Taku Fujiyama will draw on the experiences of the East Japan Railway Company and UCL’s research to discuss the approaches used by railways to run train services on time and to improve passenger experience.

Contributors: Kazuhiko Aida, Taku Fujiyama

This event is free but booking is essential. Places can be booked at: http://dajf.org.uk/event/railway-systems-and-punctuality-in-japan-and-the-uk