Why Japan has such good railways (worksinprogress.co)

Article summary

Japan's railway system is considered one of the best in the world, with a high percentage of passenger kilometers traveled by rail and a large operating profit with minimal public subsidy. The system's success is attributed to good public policy, including a business structure that allows railway companies to engage in side businesses, liberal land use rules, and sound regulation. Japan's railway companies are mostly private and compete with each other, which has driven innovation and efficiency. The country's urban planning approach, which emphasizes transit-oriented development, has also contributed to the success of the railway system.

Main themes

• Japanese railway system
• Public policy and regulation
• Urban planning and development
• Private railway companies
• Competition and innovation
• Transit-oriented development

What commenters say

• The success of Japan's railway system can be replicated in other countries by adopting similar public policies and business models.
• The emphasis on individual rights and land ownership in the US makes it difficult to implement a similar railway system.
• Japan's approach to urban planning, which prioritizes density and mixed-use development, is key to the success of its railway system.
• The notion that Japan's railway system is successful due to its culture is a misconception, and instead, it is the result of good public policy and business practices.
• The US has a fundamentally different national mindset, prioritizing individualism over collective good, which hinders the implementation of a similar railway system.
• Australia's example shows that a country with low population density can still prioritize collective good and implement effective public policies, including a well-functioning railway system.
• The idea that a small group of people can block development projects, such as railway construction, is a significant obstacle to progress in countries like the US.
• Japan's history of environmental disasters has led to a strong emphasis on safety and environmental protection, which is reflected in its railway system and urban planning approach.