Welcome to this week‘s Quick Takes! There
- It was found that even though about eighty percent of train lines of JR Hokkaido is run by non-electric locomotives, yet all train lines were still suspended during and after the quake last week. Why was it done that way? The answer is that the signaling system was out from the blackout that the earthquake caused (all coal and oil powered plants were out when the electric grid shut down and the only nuclear power plant was not in active operation anyway).
- West Japan Expressway had already started operations to remove the damaged segment from the bridge connecting Kansai International Airport to the mainland. This is to free up the rail lines on the bridge for checking and repairs. It was damaged during the typhoon
Jebi when an oil tanker slammed into the bridge. Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transportand Tourism projected the rail lines to reopen in a bit over two weeks from now. - The standing style soba chain Ironiankiraku will run tests for mobile ordering at their JR Ueno station shop from now to November 30th. Diners can order their food by using the Japan Foodie app (available on iOS and Google Play), available right now. The app can tide credit cards and Apple Pay, thus allowing for mobile payment at support restaurants. This test is for improving user experience and allow faster and easier ordering for foreign tourists.
- JR East to build 5 additional elevators in Tokyo Station to accommodate the ever-increasing demand, especially for tourist with suitcases and baby carriages. They will be installed just in time for the Tokyo Olympics.
- The first projection of Maple season in Japan is now available!
That’s it for this week. Anybody heading over to Japan for Maple? Let’s us know what you might be planning in the comments~