With the 2024 timetable revision on the Hankyu Kobe Line, the previous service cycle changed significantly. The operating patterns for Commuter Limited Express and Semi-Express trains have changed, and a new “Rapid” service that skips Tsukaguchi Station has appeared, which seems to be affecting crowding as well.
This time, Kagayaki from the Nishitsu Supporters will walk us through how crowding has changed since the timetable revision, along with tips for making your commute to work or school a little more comfortable!
目次
🚆What changed with the timetable revision?
Previous service cycle↓
Commuter Limited Express → Commuter Express → Local → Limited Express → Semi-Express → Local
New service cycle↓
Commuter Limited Express → Local → Rapid → Commuter Limited Express → Local → Semi-Express
With this change, the “Rapid” service was introduced, but because it skips Tsukaguchi Station, passenger movement has changed quite a bit. This is similar to the idea of “staggered stops (*)” used by Hanshin Railway and other major private railways, aiming to spread out congestion.
*Staggered stops: a system that disperses crowding by having different trains stop at nearby stations.
🚃Rapid and Semi-Express trains are getting much more crowded
Since the timetable revision, many people have been saying that Rapid and Semi-Express trains have become especially crowded. The main reasons seem to be the following points.
① Passengers from Mukonoso Station are spreading out
Mukonoso Station is the busiest station on the Hankyu Kobe Line where Limited Express trains do not stop. Previously, many passengers would transfer at Tsukaguchi Station, where Limited Express trains stop. Under the new timetable, however, Rapid and Semi-Express trains have become the main routes, so passengers are concentrating on them. The Semi-Express in particular gets packed tight, because many people take the preceding Local train to Tsukaguchi Station and transfer there.
② Commuter Limited Express trains are relatively less crowded
On the other hand, the next train after the Rapid or Semi-Express, the Commuter Limited Express, has seen slightly less crowding because fewer passengers are transferring at Tsukaguchi Station. The old image of “Commuter Limited Express = the most crowded train” has changed a little.
🚀Tips for a more comfortable ride
To avoid congestion and make your commute to work or school a bit more comfortable, these three methods are recommended.
① Avoid trains around 8 a.m.
The peak crowding time is around 8 a.m. Simply avoiding this time slot should reduce your stress quite a bit. If possible, consider leaving a little earlier.
② Make use of the Commuter Limited Express
Until now, the connection at Tsukaguchi Station was the Commuter Limited Express, so it was the most crowded train type. But now that the timetable has Rapid and Semi-Express trains arriving first, the Commuter Limited Express is relatively less crowded.
Key point
- Whether you take the Rapid/Semi-Express or the Commuter Limited Express behind it, the arrival time at Osaka-umeda Station differs by only about 2 minutes!
- For those heading toward Kotoen or Mondo-yakujin, using the Commuter Limited Express is also recommended!
③ Wake up 10 minutes earlier and take a Local train
Due to the timetable revision, Local trains now wait at Sonoda Station for two trains to pass: the Commuter Limited Express and the Rapid/Semi-Express. As a result, fewer people stay on the Local all the way, making it relatively easier to get a seat.
📝Benefits
- Just waking up 10 minutes earlier can boost your chances of getting a seat!
- Instead of standing the whole way on a packed train, you can sit down and study or work!
That was Kagayaki 509 from the Nishitsu Supporters with trends and tips following the timetable revision〜
About Women-Only Cars
This information comes from Kuma-san, a Nishitsu reader.
The women-only car that was used when trains had 10 cars will apparently continue to apply only to the Kobe-sannomiya-bound cars on morning “Commuter Limited Express” services
Finally
If you make good use of the crowding patterns after the timetable revision, it looks like a more comfortable commute to work or school is possible.
- Rapid and Semi-Express trains tend to get crowded, so be careful!
- Commuter Limited Express trains are less crowded than before, so they’re worth aiming for!
- With a Local train, you may be able to get a seat!
In short, why not try these three ideas above for a more comfortable ride? Reducing your morning stress might help you feel better for the whole day.
