Nozomi Bullet Train Operator Plans To Cut The Number Of Seats Without Reservation

Shinkansen Nozomi.(Wikimedia Commons/GFDL)

JAKARTA - The Nozomi bullet train service operator connecting Tokyo and Hakata Station in Fukuoka in southwest Japan last month is considering reducing the number of unordered seats starting next spring.

The move comes as the increasing use of online reservation systems has increased demand for seats ordered for super-expresional services on the Tokaido shinkansen route, as well as Sanyo which connects Tokyo with major cities in western Japan including Osaka and Kyoto.

Central Japan Railway Co. and West Japan Railway Co. are considering disbursing 85 of the 250 unreserved seats currently allocated for three train carriages by making one of them specifically for the seat ordered, said a source familiar with the matter.

Currently, the Nozomi shinkansen train operates with 16 carriages, accommodating about 1,320 passengers. The non-reserved seat fare for services connecting Tokyo and Shin-Osaka stations is set at 13,870 yen or 850 yen cheaper than the seat ordered.

"We are studying how to offer optimal seating arrangements based on how the ordered seats are used," said a JR Central official.

It is known that the Nozomi bullet train began operating in 1992 with all the seats ordered. However, since 2003, the train has offered non-reserved seat services.

Since the year-end and New Year's holidays for fiscal year 2023, trains have been operating with all seats booked during this year's busy season, while allocating three carriages for non-reservational passengers except for that period.