- Aug 8, 2008
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http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-44149791
Pretty incredible the differences in how our society differs between Japan and the US. Our mass transit system is such crap compared to those in Japan. Service is no longer a priority in this country, we'd be lucky if any of our trains or buses arrived on time. You'd be wishing for the moon if you expect anyone to apologize for crap service. But in Japan, they are so focused on a job well done, they apologize for leaving the station 25 seconds early.
Japanese train departs 25 seconds early - again
- 8 hours ago
Image copyright Getty Images
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A Japanese rail company has apologised after a train left a station 25 seconds early, the second such case in months.
The operator said the "great inconvenience we placed upon our customers was truly inexcusable".
If the details are anything to go by, customers are faced with slipping standards: a train last November left 20 seconds early while this time it was a full 25 seconds premature.
As was to be expected, social media has been making the most of the story.
Skip Twitter post by @HarrisAzhari
What a shame Japan!!? Early departure for 25 second? What if I only can catch the train 4 seconds before departure!??
— Azhari Harris (@HarrisAzhari) May 16, 2018
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End of Twitter post by @HarrisAzhari
According to Japan Today, the train conductor thought his train was scheduled to leave Notogawa Station at 07:11 instead of the actual scheduled time of 07:12 on Friday.
After closing the doors to the commuter train one minute early he realised his mistake and still could have averted the looming embarrassment.
But as he couldn't spot any waiting passengers on the platform, he decided to go head and leave early - rolling out of the station 25 seconds ahead of time.
Skip Twitter post by @railadvo
Headline: The West Japan Railway Company has apologised after a train in central Japan departed its platform 25 seconds early. pic.twitter.com/U18DKtko5d
— Peter J LeCody (@railadvo) May 16, 2018
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End of Twitter post by @railadvo
Skip Twitter post by @AndrewCruzeUK
Love it - only in Japan does a train company apologise unreservedly for an inexcusable lapse of service . . . The train left 25 second early! #lovejapan
— Andrew Cruze (@AndrewCruzeUK) May 15, 2018
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End of Twitter post by @AndrewCruzeUK
Japanese trains have a reputation for extreme punctuality, and it turned out that there were indeed still people hoping to get onboard.
Left on the platform, they complained to the rail operator and an official apology was issued shortly afterwards.
Image copyright AFP
Image caption Japanese trains have the reputation of being extremely punctual
In the case last November, management on the Tsukuba Express line between Tokyo and the city of Tsukuba said they "sincerely apologise for the inconvenience" caused.
Back then the mishap was also caused by the conductor mixing up departure times - though no passenger was left behind.
Pretty incredible the differences in how our society differs between Japan and the US. Our mass transit system is such crap compared to those in Japan. Service is no longer a priority in this country, we'd be lucky if any of our trains or buses arrived on time. You'd be wishing for the moon if you expect anyone to apologize for crap service. But in Japan, they are so focused on a job well done, they apologize for leaving the station 25 seconds early.