JR East to Implement One-Man Operation in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area, Starting Next Spring on the Joban and Nambu Lines

JR East will implement one-man operations on major lines in the Tokyo metropolitan area.

Starting from spring 2025, one-man operations will begin on the Joban Line (local trains) between Ayase and Toride stations (10-car trains) and on the Nambu Line between Kawasaki and Tachikawa stations (6-car trains). The operation will also expand to the Yokohama and Negishi Line between Hachioji and Ofuna stations (8-car trains) in spring 2026.

By around 2030, one-man operations are planned to be implemented on the Yamanote Line, Keihin-Tohoku/Negishi Line, Chuo/Sobu Line (local trains), and Saikyo/Kawagoe Line.

For safety enhancement, a boarding and alighting confirmation monitor will be installed in the cab, along with features that allow communication between passengers and the transportation command center during emergencies, and direct in-train announcements from the transportation command center. Early introduction of ATO (Automatic Train Operation) or TASC (Train Automatic Stop Control) is also being progressed. Other advancements include the capability for the transportation command center to check real-time video inside the train and the introduction of a system equipped with cameras on the train to detect obstacles on the tracks.