Drivers and conductors to assist wheelchair users at Japan’s ‘unmanned stations’, draft report suggests

From Kyodo

September 24 2021

TOKYO – On the 24th, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism compiled a draft barrier-free measure to enable people with disabilities to get on and off smoothly at unmanned stations. If it is not possible to assign a staff member to assist wheelchair users in advance, the main suggestion is for drivers and conductors to get off the train and assist. Specific guidelines are to be established within the year.

Assistance by drivers had not been introduced due to concerns about train delays. The draft emphasized that “we will not take measures to refuse the use of the station just because it is an unmanned station.” If drivers and conductors use mobile slopes to assist, wheelchair users will be able to use the railway without prior notice.