Whenever we go to Japan I'm always impressed with the courtesy the Japanese people display toward others.
I've marveled at how people at the stations always make room for those needing to rush up the escalator to get to their trains on time.
I don't think you'll find this in the U.S.
However, Art saw an article in the paper a couple of months ago that the railway company was now advising everyone not to do that. Apparently there were 1,475 accidents in 2013-2014 where people were riding the escalators improperly (probably running to catch their trains). They are now asking everybody to stand on both sides of the escalators to prevent more accidents.
Hmmmm.... I wonder if they'll be able to change the habit of decades of polite standing on one side.
I shall have to check this out the next time we're in Japan.
Very interesting, Kay. I must admit, I don't like it so much when people come bounding up or down the escalator right next to me.
ReplyDeleteWhat a quaint custom. I wonder how it got started.
ReplyDeleteHow nice!
ReplyDeleteThe first time I saw that was in France. I don't think they can change the habit any time soon.
ReplyDeleteI have had no problem standing to one side, or when I was in a hurry rushing up the other side on the metro escalators in DC. I really do not think it could be a safety issue...but maybe they have data?
ReplyDeleteI wonder if Japanese people would squeeze aside for someone in a hurry, essentially defeating the purpose. I think getting the hurriers onto the steps is good, if slow pokes still kept to one side.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first heard of this custom I thought how thoughtful. Bet it will be a hard custom to break.
ReplyDeleteInteresting find by Art!
ReplyDeleteI learned when in London at rush hours not to block the escalator going into or out of the underground stations. It is a practice I follow, but here we stay to the right. I also use the clear left side to walk up escalators when hurrying to the light rail. I am annoyed by those who use "both sides". Interesting that it is a safety issue, but then I do think walking is different than running.
ReplyDeleteI never think about it, but I rarely go on one at a real place that has hurried people.
ReplyDeleteIt's sad that some of the best behavior changes over the years.
ReplyDeleteWe stand on the left of escalators here leaving the right hand side to those in hurry to bound up/down two steps at a time. I don't think that idea would work here - There'd be riot at rush hour in the city if everyone stood all over the place :)
ReplyDeletePeople just seem to wait their turn to step on at the bottom- there are platform lifts/elevators for disabled passengers or those with luggage/ baby pushers/ wheelchairs.
Now we also have sets of static steps in the middle of the up and down escalators - don't think there are any unwritten rules for them.
I think it's a good idea to let people get by who are in a hurry. I read the article and was surprised by it.
ReplyDeleteThat's kinda funny. Many people find it difficult to get places on time!
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