Sharing the tracks

Through Running’ trains in Japananese cities seamlessly blur the lines between subways and commuter railways to the benefit of customers and operators alike.

A westbound Odakyu Railway train speeds out of Yoyogi-uehara Station.

A westbound Odakyu Railway train speeds out of Yoyogi-uehara Station.

Ken Lin

Ken Lin

At left a Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line train terminates at Yoyogi-uehara Station, where they turnback on the center tracks. At right, through running Odakyu Railway trains emerge from the subway and use the outer platforms to continue west of this station. Tokyo Metro customers can make convenient cross platform transfers to Odakyu Railway’s through running trains or to Odakyu’s trains that started from Shinjuku terminal.

At left a Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line train terminates at Yoyogi-uehara Station, where they turnback on the center tracks. At right, through running Odakyu Railway trains emerge from the subway and use the outer platforms to continue west of this station. Tokyo Metro customers can make convenient cross platform transfers to Odakyu Railway’s through running trains or to Odakyu’s trains that started from Shinjuku terminal.

According to National Rail’s Journey Planner, a simple trip in the Greater London area from Watford Junction to Woking requires two mainline trains and an Underground ride. First, there is a Midland Mainline (or London Overground)train to London Euston, followed by a transfer to London Underground’s Northern Line to Waterloo, followed by a second transfer at Waterloo to a Southwest Trains service to Woking.

This journey requires coordinating three train schedules, passing through up...