I think it’s great (I live in Japan), but I do worry about operations and maintenance after. Allegedly, overtime and burnout are ridiculous at some Japanese train companies and the rules are super, super strict; I don’t think that would fly in other countries. The maintenance and staff are what keep things safe and efficient here. I have a feeling costs would be more in other countries both for paying overtime and more workers as well as keeping talent that actually care and are diligent.
Edit: to be clear, I don’t think overtime and such to that level should be required; people should have a good work-life balance and wages.
Definitely the cultural differences in Japan make some things work there that won’t elsewhere. A push for more autonomous trains would help the world over but that doesn’t help with safety and maintenance. Public transit is expensive (not that a private car based system is any cheaper) and it’ll only work in places where they are willing to pay.
I think it’s great (I live in Japan), but I do worry about operations and maintenance after. Allegedly, overtime and burnout are ridiculous at some Japanese train companies and the rules are super, super strict; I don’t think that would fly in other countries. The maintenance and staff are what keep things safe and efficient here. I have a feeling costs would be more in other countries both for paying overtime and more workers as well as keeping talent that actually care and are diligent.
Edit: to be clear, I don’t think overtime and such to that level should be required; people should have a good work-life balance and wages.
Definitely the cultural differences in Japan make some things work there that won’t elsewhere. A push for more autonomous trains would help the world over but that doesn’t help with safety and maintenance. Public transit is expensive (not that a private car based system is any cheaper) and it’ll only work in places where they are willing to pay.