[Breaking news] Toei Oedo Line runs every 10 minutes – The drivers was infected with COVID-19

The Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation has announced that it will operate the Toei Subway Oedo Line on a special schedule until January 11, 2021 (Monday / holiday), based on the fact that several employees were infected with COVID-19.

Tochomae Station on the Toei Subway Oedo Line (image)
Tochomae Station on the Toei Subway Oedo Line (image)

Due to the COVID-19 infection of the staffs, it has been announced that the Oedo Line will be operated at about 70% of the normal from December 27 (Sunday). Details of the special timetable based on the business continuity plan are available on the website of the Transportation Bureau, which will be implemented from December 29, 2020 (Tuesday) to January 11, 2021 (Monday / holiday).

According to the schedule, the train runs every 10 to 15 minutes from the first train to 7:00, every 10 minutes from 7:00 to 20:00, and every 10 to 25 minutes after 20:00. The last trains run at regular time, with some exceptions. Taking the morning rush hour as an example, the trains run every 3 to 5 minutes on the regular timetable, which means that the number will be reduced to about 40%. The Transportation Bureau says that the trains may be added depending on the situation, but if the number of trains starts as it is, it is expected that the Oedo Line will be considerably congested at each station.

The Transportation Bureau has revealed that a total of 17 people who belong to the Kiyosumi Driving Office and operate the subway have been infected with COVID-19.