On October 30^th, 2020, the MLIT announced the revision of the “Standards for Facilitating Smooth Transportation” and “Guidelines for the Development of Barrier-Free Environments”. These revisions were made based on the "New Measures to Create Barrier-Free Environments on the Bullet Trains", published on August 28^th, 2020, which aimed to make the bullet trains the most accessible in the world. Their accessibility is also planned to be part of the legacy of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympic Games. Public transportation companies must comply with the Standards for Facilitating Smooth Transportation when they introduce new facilities or vehicles. The Guidelines for the Development of Barrier Free Environments are maintenance guidelines for facilities and vehicles for public transportation companies. In these revisions, a couple of points regarding wheelchair spaces and seats on the intercity railroad were amended as follows.

1. Basic concept of "wheelchair spaces"

"Wheelchair spaces" will be created in order to respond to the various needs of wheelchair users, such as travelling with caregivers, needing to transfer to the adjacent seat during travel, or travelling as a group.

2. The number of wheelchair spaces

The number of wheelchair spaces per train is set as follows, according to its capacity.

The above rule will apply from July 1^st, 2021. For more information, please visit the following website. https://www.mlit.go.jp/report/press/sogo09_hh_000253.html