- 14 Mar 2002
- 21,050
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JR East is making significant changes to its train services in Chiba Prefecture: starting next month, non-reserved seats will be abolished on three limited express train services connecting the Tokyo metropolitan area with the scenic Boso Peninsula in Chiba. This means that reservations will be required for all passengers travelling on these trains. Currently, non-reserved seats comprise 40 to 50 per cent of all available seats on the Shiosai, Wakashio, and Sazanami limited express trains.
Wakashio Limited Express
However, when JR East updates its timetables on 16 March, all seats will be reservation-only. This move to eliminate non-reserved seats began in 2014 with the Akagi train on the Takasaki Line. The three trains serving Chiba Prefecture are now the last ones with non-reserved seating. It's worth noting that other railway companies are also following suit. JR West and Hokkaido Railway will also abolish non-reserved seats on several limited express train services as part of their timetable revisions in March. Passengers increasingly prefer reserved seating for long-distance journeys, and this change also helps reduce operational costs. While reserved seats can be easily monitored via computer systems, conductors must physically check tickets for passengers in non-reserved seats.
As we move toward a more reservation-oriented system, passengers must plan ahead. JR companies recommend using online reservation systems, especially for those who find it challenging to make plans. These systems allow passengers to change trains using their smartphones until right before boarding. However, some critics argue that flexible free seating is essential for a comfortable travel experience, especially for passengers without smartphones or those who face difficulties using them.
Wakashio Limited Express
However, when JR East updates its timetables on 16 March, all seats will be reservation-only. This move to eliminate non-reserved seats began in 2014 with the Akagi train on the Takasaki Line. The three trains serving Chiba Prefecture are now the last ones with non-reserved seating. It's worth noting that other railway companies are also following suit. JR West and Hokkaido Railway will also abolish non-reserved seats on several limited express train services as part of their timetable revisions in March. Passengers increasingly prefer reserved seating for long-distance journeys, and this change also helps reduce operational costs. While reserved seats can be easily monitored via computer systems, conductors must physically check tickets for passengers in non-reserved seats.
As we move toward a more reservation-oriented system, passengers must plan ahead. JR companies recommend using online reservation systems, especially for those who find it challenging to make plans. These systems allow passengers to change trains using their smartphones until right before boarding. However, some critics argue that flexible free seating is essential for a comfortable travel experience, especially for passengers without smartphones or those who face difficulties using them.
