On March 3, 2025, Odakyu Electric Railway revealed plans to designate car number 3 of its popular Romancecar as a 'childcare support car,' officially launching the initiative on April 15, 2025. This step marks another effort by the company to create family-friendly travel conditions, following the introduction of 'childcare support cars' on commuter trains back in March 2022.
The 'childcare support car' will feature various enhancements aimed at making travel more comfortable and accommodating for parents. Each seat will be equipped with dedicated headrest covers embroidered with the company's mascot character, 'Mokoron,' to clearly identify the specific car as supportive of families traveling with children. Stickers featuring Mokoron will also be affixed to the window areas, adding to the car's welcoming atmosphere for families.
Passengers will not be limited to families alone; all customers are welcomed aboard the car. When making reservations via ticket machines or online, users will receive guidance indicating it is the childcare support car. Enhancements for children's comfort include baby beds, which are specially installed nearby, toilets, and vending machines to cater to family needs throughout the trip.
Operational for 14 trains on weekdays and weekends, the childcare support car will mainly serve passengers traveling on the Odakyu Line and Hakone Tozan Line. All departures from Shinjuku Station will occur between 11:00 AM and 4:59 PM, with arrivals at the same station happening from 11:00 AM to 5:59 PM. Notably, Romancecars connecting directly to the JR Joban Line and the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line will not participate in the childcare support initiative.
Reservations for this special service will commence on March 15, 2025, at 10:00 AM, and travelers are encouraged to secure their spots as demand is expected to rise significantly. This initiative shows promise for transforming family travel experiences on one of Japan's most famous rail services.
Alongside the launch of the childcare support car, Odakyu Electric Railway has planned a promotional campaign for passengers. From April 15 to May 6, 2025, riders who take the time to complete a survey aboard the car will enter a lottery to win exclusive Mokoron merchandise. According to the company, "Mokoron goods will be awarded to 100 lucky passengers who complete the survey aboard the childcare support car." This campaign is expected to generate excitement and engagement among users of the service.
By integrating such features and initiatives, Odakyu Electric Railway continues its commitment to creating supportive services for families traveling with small children, making railway travel more accessible and enjoyable. This move reflects broader trends in the transport sector, where operators worldwide are increasingly focusing on improving the travel experience for families as part of their service offerings.