The JR Yamanote Line, which loops around central Tokyo, usually operates all night on New Year’s Eve. (Asahi Shimbun file photo)
East Japan Railway Co. (JR East) announced on Dec. 18 it will cancel annual all-night train services on New Year’s Eve as requested by the central and local governments following a surge in novel coronavirus cases.
Six other railway operators in the greater Tokyo metropolitan area also made the same announcement that day. They are Tokyo Metro Co., Keikyu Corp., Keisei Electric Railway Co., Keio Corp., Tokyo Waterfront Area Rapid Transit Inc. and the Tokyo metropolitan government s Transportation Bureau.