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Japanese railways
Just back on the site after 2 year absence! Was in Japan in May (2014) for 3 weeks. Spent most of my time travelling around on a Japan railpass great value. I used to live there (1972 - 1975) and always remembered the trains cleanliness and punctuality. At the time the railways were nationalised so thought that the government subsidies kept it all going. They have been privatised since 1996 and are even better!! Stations, trains and track are spotless. Punctuality is spot on to the second even on local trains. Station and train announcements are clear (and in English as well as Japanese) Train staff are smart and polite. The conductor (Guard,Ticket collector?) bows on entering each carriage and thank's every passenger after checking their tickets!. Rail enthusiasts are welcomed on all stations, the staff are proud of their domain and not afraid to let everyone know. Yes the fares are bit pricey on the Shinkansen, but everywhere else on a par with the UK. Why can't we do that here I wonder?
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