The New Nakanoshima Keihan Line

Posted by Kyle Yates in Kansai Living

The Keihan train company opened up a new train line October 19th leading to Nakanoshima, the south end of the Keihan line branching off from Temmabashi station into another area of Osaka away from Yodoyabashi station.

In the process of adding the new train line, train schedules were changed and many new trains were added. Many new and very comfortable trains were added to the system, but the system itself is not as commuter friendly as it was. Most people complain of confusion. Trains go to Kyobashi like before but branch off from Temmabashi so passengers need to make sure they don’t get on trains bound for Nakanoshima instead of Yodoyabashi. Before the changes, all trains led to Yodoyabashi so people could get on any train and rest assured of their final destination.

One other major complaint coming from passengers is that the majority of trains leading to Osaka are now so full of people that even though the trains are new and seats are more comfortable, most never get to sit down and end up standing packed like sardines more than they ever did during morning commute. Train stations have employed more attendants to help pack commuters into trains, one per door opening.

Last week, the train I was on was so packed I could have lifted my feet off the ground and still stayed in place without falling to the floor!