The Subway Series - Part 2: Personality of the City?
Does the subway of a city reveal its personality?
There's no doubt some interesting comparisons to be made between the London, Hong Kong, Tokyo and New York subways.
My favourite, without a shadow of doubt is Tokyo. Clean and efficient, they even publish the train timetable on the platform. Missed the 7.13am? No problem - look on the board and oh, we can catch the 7.16am! And it arrives...on time.
In fact, when in the rare chance a train is delayed, the subway authorities will provide commuters with notes for their employers. This is to prevent your boss from eyeing you suspiciously. Your train was late? Impossible!!
Tokyo subway is noticeable for the lack of trash bins. Taken away after the chemical gas attack, everyone is meant to keep their garbage on their person until they get home. And the people obey!! No litter on the platform, tracks - nothing! Peer pressure means I keep my gum wrappers in my pocket.
While with strangers, politeness is everything. There is an unwritten rule that no one speaks on their cellphone while on the train (even if you can get reception). It's simply rude to have a loud conversation and disturb the peace. Texting and playing games on your cellphone is allowed though and used to much extent. Have you seen a Japanese girl text? They are undoubtedly the fastest texters in the universe.
Sleeping on the subway train is also accepted. The morning commute trains are noted for their quiet passengers, mostly salarymen in their grey suits, all sleeping soundly next to each other. Leaning on your neighbour's shoulder? Not to worry - he's leaning on his neighbour's.
What does the subway features described above tell us about Japan? Efficient, a love for cleanliness and supremely polite. A pretty accurate assessment of its personality.
There's no doubt some interesting comparisons to be made between the London, Hong Kong, Tokyo and New York subways.
My favourite, without a shadow of doubt is Tokyo. Clean and efficient, they even publish the train timetable on the platform. Missed the 7.13am? No problem - look on the board and oh, we can catch the 7.16am! And it arrives...on time.
In fact, when in the rare chance a train is delayed, the subway authorities will provide commuters with notes for their employers. This is to prevent your boss from eyeing you suspiciously. Your train was late? Impossible!!
Tokyo subway is noticeable for the lack of trash bins. Taken away after the chemical gas attack, everyone is meant to keep their garbage on their person until they get home. And the people obey!! No litter on the platform, tracks - nothing! Peer pressure means I keep my gum wrappers in my pocket.
While with strangers, politeness is everything. There is an unwritten rule that no one speaks on their cellphone while on the train (even if you can get reception). It's simply rude to have a loud conversation and disturb the peace. Texting and playing games on your cellphone is allowed though and used to much extent. Have you seen a Japanese girl text? They are undoubtedly the fastest texters in the universe.
Sleeping on the subway train is also accepted. The morning commute trains are noted for their quiet passengers, mostly salarymen in their grey suits, all sleeping soundly next to each other. Leaning on your neighbour's shoulder? Not to worry - he's leaning on his neighbour's.
What does the subway features described above tell us about Japan? Efficient, a love for cleanliness and supremely polite. A pretty accurate assessment of its personality.
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