Companies to test parcel delivery via Tokyo subway

Facing possible traffic restrictions during the upcoming 2020 Tokyo Olympics, delivery companies are considering using the Tokyo subway to ensure on-time parcel delivery. This would make it the first subway freight service in the city.

As part of security and logistics measures taken by the city to manage the Olympics, the usual delivery networks are likely to be disrupted. With the city also suffering from a general shortage of truck drivers, a subway service would help delivery companies to cope with the high demand.

Three companies, Yamato Transport Co., Japan Post Co. and Sagawa Express Co., plan to take part in the initial experiment, once a feasibility study has been conducted on the Yurakucho and Tobu Tojo lines. According to the plan, packages would be unloaded at Yurakucho, Ginza-itchome and Shintomicho stations in central Tokyo.

However, the current subway trains and stations would not be an ideal solution as they are designed for passengers and not freight, which presents its own problems. In the future, dedicated freight trains would be required.

(Source: The Asahi Shimbun)