As I recently posted, I took the Yamaman-Yukarigaoka line for the first time in eleven years. What has changed and what has remained the same on this small AGT (Automated Guideway Transit) line?
The trains haven't changed. The EMU 1000 series is still operated on the line as a sole model. These lovely trains were built by Nippon Sharyo in 1982. The 1000 series is comfortable to ride except in summer. What does that mean? What I’m saying is air conditioners are not equipped on the trains. That must be tough for passengers in this season, but instead, each passenger gets a wet towel and a paper fan for free on the train. What's more, I got a bottle of water and salt tablets as well from the promotion. The salt tablets, which were offered by a snack maker, Kabaya, had a sweet-sour taste… definitely my favorite! Such a wonderful service.
One more news on the Yukarigaoka line is how to ride the trains for passengers with commuter passes. The existing commuter pass is no longer necessary. You need only your face. The railway company, Yamaman, started a facial recognition boarding system on June 15th this year. I couldn’t try this boarding system, as I’m not a frequent passenger of the Yukarigaoka line, but the facial recognition system seems to be very convenient. Incidentally, a single ticket has also been changed from a magnetic ticket to the QR code ticket.
The Yamaman-Yukarigaoka line… the trains are little worn-out, but the services to passengers are really on the leading-edge.
