Progressing in Reducing Gaps Between Platforms and Trains on the Osaka Loop Line

JR West recognizes the improvement of station platform safety as a critical management task and is pursuing various initiatives through both hardware and software to ensure safer and more secure railway usage.

At major stations on the Osaka Loop Line, we have utilized the railway station barrier-free fare system to install equipment that reduces the height difference and gaps between platforms and trains. This reduction makes it easier and safer for customers in wheelchairs or with young children to board and alight.

1. Overview of Platform and Train Gap Reduction (1) Locations: Major stations on the Osaka Loop Line. (Note: Tsuruhashi Station had only its gap reduced before the establishment of the barrier-free fare system.) (2) Applicable Models: 323 series trains (mainly rapid/local services), targeting a height difference of 3cm and a gap of 7cm. (3) Door positions: Car 1 Door 3, Car 5 & 8 Door 1.

2. Initiative to Reduce Waiting Time at Boarding Stations At stations where gap reduction has been implemented, for customers using wheelchairs who prefer to manage their own alighting, we will continue to provide assistance at boarding as usual. However, we will reduce waiting times at boarding stations by omitting the coordination with the alighting station.

For customers who prefer staff assistance at both boarding and alighting, we will continue to provide coordination with the alighting station as before. (1) Start Date: First train on June 1 (Mon). (2) Applicable Stations: Osaka, Kyobashi, Tsuruhashi, Shin-Imamiya, Bentencho, and Nishikujo stations. (3) Applicable Models: 323 series trains (mainly serving as standard local trains on the Osaka Loop Line). (4) Door Positions: Car 1 Door 3, Car 5 & 8 Door 1 (Except for the following specific locations): - Tsuruhashi Station: Platform 2, Car 5 - Osaka Station: Platform 1, Car 1 - Shin-Imamiya Station: Platform 4, Car 8 - Nishikujo Station: Platforms 1 & 2 (Car 5 & 8), Platforms 3 & 4 (Car 5).

Through these initiatives, the JR West Group aims to provide seamless and convenient transportation, driving innovation and service transformation as outlined in our "Station Vision."