The cold winter has finally reached the turning point of the season, and signs of spring have gradually spread. In each area of Chuo-ku, there will be more opportunities to feel spring with the buds of flowers and the scent of a little wind.
Spring is also a milestone season for transportation. This is mainly because the schedule revision will take place at this time. New schedules will be set according to demand and equipment conditions. This year, the revision will be implemented on March 16 at JR and private railways.
Speaking of topics in Tokyo, the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line and the Tokyu Toyoko Line will start mutual direct access. As a result, the Tobu Tojo Line and Seibu Ikebukuro Line will be able to interact with the five companies via the Fukutoshin Line, including Tokyu to the Minatomirai Line, further ahead. It seems that commercial battles are becoming active throughout the railway line in order to attract the flow of people.
That doesn't seem to be very relevant to Chuo-ku, but that's not the case. First, measures such as increasing the number of trains will be implemented on the Yurakucho Line, which operates in parallel with the Fukutoshin Line. Rather, with the commencement of direct operation between the five companies this time, congestion during the rush of the Fukutoshin Line and Yurakucho Line is expected to increase, especially in the morning schedule. Please note that those who use the stations of the Yurakucho Line "Ginza 1-chome", "Shintomicho" and "Tsukishima" in the city.
In addition, the most shocking thing is that the direct connection between the Tokyu and Hibiya Line ends with the direct connection between the Fukutoshin Line and the Tokyu Toyoko Line. (The Tobu side will continue to be implemented.)
The Hibiya Line is also an important route for Chuo-ku. There are 7 stations in the city. Compared to 4 stations on the Ginza Line and 5 stations on the Toei Asakusa Line, it is also a familiar route. It is also familiar that the first train departs Hatchobori at 5:00.
In the first place, the direct connection between the Hibiya Line, the Tokyu Toyoko Line, and the Tobu Isesaki Line started almost half a century ago in 1964 (Showa 39). It seems that the opening of the entire Hibiya Line was urgent to prepare for the Tokyo Olympics. Of course, we have also contributed to smoothing the rapid increase in the flow of people. It is also a pioneer in Japan's multi-track entry.
At that time, what was discussed was the length of the train to be used. Opinions were divided depending on whether to use a 18m car or a 20m car, but in the end, the 18m car claimed by the Keidan Subway (currently Tokyo Metro) was adopted because of the many curves. Today, most urban railways use 20m vehicles, so if you look closely, you will notice that the Hibiya Line vehicles have a short length.
For commuters and students who go to the city center from eastern Saitama and northeastern Kanagawa prefectures, this system that allows direct access without transfer has been greatly welcomed and loved for a long time. However, after that, the railway network in Tokyo was further developed, for example, people who relied on the Hibiya Line were divided into JR Shinjuku Shonan Line, Subway Namboku Line, Subway Toei Mita Line, etc. As the relative value of the Hibiya Line began to decrease. Furthermore, it is thought that the role of the Hibiya Line will be greatly reduced due to the upcoming direct connection of the Fukutoshin Line.
In addition, due to the problem of the car length mentioned above, it can be said that Tokyu has decided to run a 18m car on the Toyoko Line from the comparison of loading capacity.
As a result, direct operation from the Hibiya Line to Kikuna will not be seen from March 16, and it is impossible to prohibit a slight loneliness. "To Kikuna" and "To Musashikosugi" will disappear from the destination display indicated on the timetable of each station.
At the same time, the operation of <Tokyu 1000 Series>, which had been on the Hibiya Line from Tokyu, is expected to end with this. Since it was operated exclusively for Hibiya Line direct use, I do not know whether it will be scrapped or converted to another company, but it is true that this Tokyu color will not be seen on the Hibiya Line.
Can you see the temporary train "Minatomirai-go" (Kitasenju-Motomachi-Chukagai), which was sometimes operated before?
It is natural that the operation of transportation will change with the times, but I would like to watch this milestone with gratitude, thinking about the history of direct operation of the Hibiya Line, which firmly supported the city access of Showa. You.
