The Beginnings of the Municipal Subway

As transport infrastructure needs increased along with the post-war reconstruction effort, the establishment of a subway system in Nagoya became a pressing concern, and in 1947 a plan emerged for a subway network. With this original plan as a foundation, work began in 1954 on the 2.4km Higashiyama Line between Nagoya Station and Sakaemachi Station (modern day Sakae Station). Commencing operation on November 15 1957, Nagoya’s subway was the third to open in Japan, after Tokyo and Osaka.

Expansion of the Subway Network

Following the opening of the first section of the Higashiyama Line in November 1957, October 1965 saw the opening of the Meijo Line. In March 1971 the Meiko Line opened, followed by the the Tsurumai Line in March 1977, the Sakura-dori Line in September 1989, and finally the Kamiiida Line in March 2003. (Lines listed above use the modern-day names.) In December 2003 operation on the Meijo Line was extended from Sunada-bashi Station to Nagoya University, and again in October 2004, when the route from Nagoya University was expanded to Aratama-bashi Station. The Sakura-dori Line began offering an extended service from Nonami Station to Tokushige Station in March 2011 as part of ongoing expansion of the network. Currently, the Nagoya Subway comprises 6 lines, covering a total distance of 93.3km. In one day the distance travelled on the subway network is equal to 4.7 laps of the earth, or 189,000km. Approximately 1,150,000 passengers use the service each day.

Incorporation of Suburban Railway into the Subway Network

The Tsurumai Line is complemented by the Meitetsu Toyota and Inuyama Lines, connecting Inuyama in northern Nagoya to the southern city of Toyota over a distance of 60km, and as such plays an important role in the wider transport network. From its opening in March 2003, the Kamiiida Line has been supplemented by the Meitetsu Komaki Line.

The Meijo Line is Japan’s only true loop line, operating as such since October 2010 when the 5.6km section between Nagoya University and Aratama-bashi was completed. The line intersects with all of Nagoya’s other subway lines, and at Kanayama Station and Ozone Station, connects with Japan Rail and private rail services. As such, the Meijo Line is a vital part of Nagoya’s greater transit network.

Impediment Removal Measures

Elevators providing alternative access routes from street level to platform have been installed in all stations. In stations where transfers are not possible without passing through the ticket barriers an additional time, special transfer elevators are being fitted. Multipurpose toilets are available in every station. Work is ongoing to provide tactile paving on platforms and designated wheelchair spaces on train carriages. During normal hours of operation, assistants are available at every station.

Guaranteed Safety

In order to ensure safe operation, each route utilises Automatic Train Control (ATC). On services on which one-man operated trains are utilised – the Sakura-dori and Kamiiida Lines, platform monitors and driver seat monitors respectively allow for careful observation of platform safety. In order to avoid accidental contact with trains, moveable platform barriers are in use on the Higashiyama, Sakura-dori, and Kamiiida Lines.