Trains in Japan They are admired worldwide for their millimeter precision. While in other regions of the world a delay of a few minutes is considered acceptable, In Japan the measure of success is in seconds.
A recent report highlights that The average convoy delay is just 96 secondsa figure that includes unavoidable external events such as natural disasters or accidents.
The pillar that supports this infrastructure is the «poka-yoke»a concept born in the automotive industry. This methodology, originally developed by Shigeo Shingo to Toyotatranslates as «error-proof.»
Its objective is to design processes where it is physically impossible to make a mistake during the operation and for it to delay the service.
A system designed for infallibility
In the railway sector, poka-yoke manifests itself in devices and protocols that assist the driver. A clear example is the Automatic Train Control (ATC) system, which constantly monitors speed and position.
If an operator attempts to speed beyond what is permitted by safety or schedule, the system intervenes automaticallycorrecting the action before it happens. The infrastructure also incorporates physical barriers and smart sensors on the platforms.
These technologies ensure that The doors only open when the train is perfectly aligned and stopped. By eliminating the possibility of maneuver failures, downtime is reduced and small human incidents are prevented from escalating into significant delays for thousands of users.
Beyond technology, there is rigorous operational discipline. Workers use the «point and call» method, a system of gestures and vocal confirmations that reduces human error by 85%.
Each action, from closing a door to reading a signal, must be physically validated, turning the operator into a conscious link but protected by the systematic protocol.
Keys to railway success in Japan
- Predictive maintenance: Special trains are used that analyze the condition of the tracks at high speed to repair faults before they occur.
- Flow management: Passenger and freight lines are completely separated, preventing slow traffic from interfering with fast services.
- Lightning cleaning: Hygiene teams have just seven minutes to leave each car spotless, operating with military-style coordination.
- Culture of responsibility: Railway companies issue official delay certificates if the train is delayed more than five minutes, assuming public blame.
- Advanced simulation: Drivers are trained in high-fidelity simulators that replicate extreme conditions to automate crisis responses.
Receive in your email all the news, stories and analysis from Clarín journalists
