Odakyu Electric Railway is embracing community engagement with new safety initiatives set to launch at six stations along the Odawara Line. Starting February 3, professional rugby players Jacob Skinne and Yuta Kurihara will play pivotal roles by providing announcements aimed at enhancing public safety during train travel.
This innovative project will run until March 29, 2025, and is particularly focused on raising awareness about crime prevention, providing assistance to visually impaired passengers, and overall safety measures for commuters. Specific stations involved include Chitose-Funabashi, Soshigaya-Okura, Seijo-Gakuenmae, Kitami, Komae, and Izumi-Tamagawa.
Notably, this will mark the first time players from the Black Rams Tokyo will deliver messages of this nature to the public. Jacob Skinne remarked, “This is the first time I’ve announced something like this in Japanese,” reflecting the enthusiasm surrounding the initiative.
The involvement of athletes is poised to create greater awareness within the community. Yuta Kurihara emphasized the importance of these messages, stating, “It’s important to engage with the community and promote safety during train travel.” Their participation will not only draw attention but also establish the train stations as hubs for safety information.
These announcements will serve as reminders for commuters about reporting suspicious behavior and ensuring the safety of everyone on board, highlighting the collective responsibility of both train operators and passengers to maintain safe environments.
By utilizing local sports personalities, Odakyu Electric Railway aims to leverage their influence and reach within the community. The project is seen as part of the railway's broader commitment to safety and customer service improvements.
Beyond safety measures, Skinne and Kurihara also intend to provide updates on upcoming rugby matches, thereby linking the railway services to local sporting events and fostering community spirit.
Overall, the new initiatives are expected to create positive changes within the community, primarily for those who travel regularly on the Odawara Line. It's not merely about transit, it's about cultivating community relations and ensuring passenger safety, both top priorities for Odakyu Electric Railway.
Should these initiatives prove successful, the railway may expand the program to include more events and community engagement strategies to improve traveler experiences.