Fukuoka City to increase Nanakuma Line train frequency to ease congestion

Fukuoka City has announced that starting November 24, it will add four round trips to the Nanakuma Line during morning rush hours to alleviate overcrowding. This measure is expected to increase transport capacity by approximately 2,000 people, reducing peak congestion rates from 130% to 115%.

To support this increase, the city is introducing new '3000A series' train cars. One set was recently unloaded at Hakata Port, with three additional sets scheduled for delivery through fiscal year 2027. Mayor Soichiro Takashima stated that the city aims to alleviate congestion through actionable steps, noting long-term plans to increase train sets from four to six cars by fiscal year 2027.

This move comes amid a broader trend of rising commuter congestion across Japan. While teleworking has become more common, congestion rates in major metropolitan areas like Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka are returning to pre-pandemic levels. Some lines in Fukuoka and Hiroshima have also reported peak congestion rates exceeding 150% and 160%, respectively.