Osaka Metro cancels operation all night on New Year’s Eve – The spread of COVID-19

Osaka Metro and Kita-Osaka Kyuko Railway have announced that they will stop operating all night from December 31, 2020 (Thursday) to January 1, 2021 (Friday / holiday), which was originally planned.

Osaka Metro 21 series train for the Midosuji Line
Osaka Metro 21 series train for the Midosuji Line

According to the press release by Osaka Metro on November 27, 2020 (Friday), all lines of the subway and New Tram will be operated all night on New Year’s Eve as usual years. However, due to the re-expansion of COVID-19 in Osaka Prefecture, the situation has worsened to the point that the medical system is tight. On December 8 (Tuesday), Mayor Ichiro Matsui of Osaka City called on the citizens to “Stay home as much as possible during the New Year holidays,” and revealed that they are discussing with Osaka Metro with a view to canceling all-night operation.

JR West and major railway operators in Kansai have announced that they will not operate all night on New Year’s Eve 2020, and attention has been paid to whether Osaka Metro will be in line.

Osaka Metro cancels operation all night on New Year's Eve - The spread of COVID-19 worsens

The subway & New Tram will operate based on the timetable for Saturdays and holidays from December 30 (Wednesday) to January 3, 2021 (Sunday), and will be closed on New Year’s Eve with the regular last trains. There are no women-only cars on the Midosuji Line and Tanimachi Line during the Saturdays / holidays timetable.