TOKYO, July 7 (Xinhua) - The Tokyo metropolitan government said on Sunday that it plans to test commuter ships in a bid to ease rush-hour congestion.
People cross a street during a rainy afternoon in Tokyo on May 21, 2019. (Photo: VCG)
The move comes as Tokyo officials are dealing with concerns over traffic congestion during next year's Olympics and Paralympics. The trial will run from July 24 through Aug. 2, excluding Saturdays and Sundays.
The planned route connects the Harumi and Nihonbashi districts in Tokyo's Chuo Ward, taking about 30 to 40 minutes for a one-way trip.
The ships will be operated in 15-minute intervals between 7:30 am and 9:00 am local time, and each ship can carry up to about 40 people. During the trial period, there will be 14 ships every morning.
Passengers can use the service free of charge during the trial, but have to make reservations and will be asked to cooperate in filling in a questionnaire.
Tokyo is studying ways to deal with congestion caused by the Olympics and Paralympics next year. Based on the results of the questionnaire in this trial, the city will decide whether to use ship as a new commuting means.
