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Japan Keeps This Defunct Train Station Running for Just One Passenger

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Re: Japan Keeps This Defunct Train Station Running for Just One Passenger

#201

Only girl in the village? They are going to close the line when she graduates. Therefore we can surmise there aren't any other younger girls. So much for having a social life. There are parts of Japan where children just aren't around anymore. Towns are becoming extended retirement homes. That's the truly depressing side of this story. At least this is happening today, when the few remaining kids in such situations c…

As mentioned elsewhere, they're not closing the line, just this station. It's also important to point out that it's not uncommon for Japan high schoolers to travel far to attend the school of their choice. So it's very likely that there's a high school in or near the village that most of the other kids go to, but this girl is attending a different one.

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Re: Japan Keeps This Defunct Train Station Running for Just One Passenger

#202

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The thing is, they (the headline) say "Japan", but this only happened because it's way out in the countryside where people have a "village mentality" of helping each other out (but the trade off is that everyone sticks their nose in your business). Japan railways itself split into several separate companies upon privatization. This would never happen in Tokyo. As much as we think of the country as being monolithic (i…

First train I took in Tokyo was the Narita Express. It was 20 minutes late so I missed the connection for the last "JR Pass"-eligible bullet train to Kyoto of the night. I had to buy a ticket for 18,000 JPY (~$150) As far as I know, no one killed themselves.

I am surprised they don't let you use your existing ticket on a later train if they caused the delay - that is the rule in Britain and France.

Re: Japan Keeps This Defunct Train Station Running for Just One Passenger

#203
post #202

Earlier quoted context omitted.

First train I took in Tokyo was the Narita Express. It was 20 minutes late so I missed the connection for the last "JR Pass"-eligible bullet train to Kyoto of the night. I had to buy a ticket for 18,000 JPY (~$150) As far as I know, no one killed themselves.

I am surprised they don't let you use your existing ticket on a later train if they caused the delay - that is the rule in Britain and France.

I hadn't bought a ticket for the first one. I had a "JR pass" which gives unlimited access to a variety of lines, but not the one I ended up having to take.

That said, I didn't think to ask about getting a free ticket on the later train.

Re: Japan Keeps This Defunct Train Station Running for Just One Passenger

#204
post #196

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Strollers are a PITA on public transport but what's the alternative? This post seems to be lacking empathy.

After having 3 kids and going through a lot of strollers I can answer that a bit. A way to make a big improvement for yourself and for others is to buy the $50 basic stroller. Not the $500 "full-featured" one. Far better everywhere, and far more considerate of everybody else on pavement, public transport and everywhere else. This: http://www.toysrus.com/graphics/product_images/pTRU1-3490966... Not this: http://www.bo…

The Toys R Us stroller you linked weighs about 15lb, I think. The Bob Stroller weighs about 25lb. I challenge you to find a 30kg/66lb stroller.
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