Buzz
Despite its drawbacks, the practice of 'squeezing' has significantly increased the capacity of subway trains in densely populated cities.
Japan is renowned for its modern and advanced rail systems that can swiftly transport passengers over long distances. In Tokyo, with a population of approximately 35-39 million people, the number of commuters using trains surpasses other modes of transportation such as bicycles, buses, and personal vehicles. As a result, subway trains often face overcrowding issues, despite the continuous operation of numerous trains day and night.
Statistics show that most subway trains in Tokyo operate beyond capacity, with some even exceeding the designated 200% capacity to meet passenger demand. Despite the availability of overnight train services, overcrowding remains a frequent issue. Thus, a new profession has emerged to address this packed situation: Oshiya - the passenger pushers.
These uniformed employees are tasked with squeezing additional passengers into train cars if commuters insist on boarding and the train is already packed with a few people. They are especially busy during peak hours.
When these pushers first appeared at Tokyo's Shinjuku station, they were known as 'passenger coordination staff.' This job primarily attracts part-time workers, mainly students.
The Origin of the Profession of Pushing Passengers onto Trains
According to Amusing Planet, the practice of pushing passengers onto trains actually originated in New York City, USA, nearly a century ago. However, many disliked the pushers as they forcefully jostled passengers.
In modern-day Japan, you may find the staff being more 'gentle,' although occasionally, they still exert considerable force, making passengers uncomfortable. Some argue that this job compels the staff to push in a rather uncivilized manner.
The profession of pushing passengers has become outdated as train systems gradually adopt automatic doors, rendering the squeezing of passengers an obsolete practice.
Requires a certain level of physical fitness
Oshiya advises using both hands to push passengers; applying pressure with both hands ensures better balance compared to pushing with one hand. This way, both the passenger and the Oshiya maintain balance and avoid falling.
Secondly, Oshiya can only push the shoulders, back, or a part of the passenger's arm onto the train, avoiding any contact with sensitive body parts. Lastly, Oshiya must maintain a firm stance because passengers waiting on the platform might inadvertently push Oshiya into the train.
After completing their task, Oshiya will raise a flag and signal with lights for the train engineers when the train is ready and safe to depart. Oshiya communicate with passengers using polite and dignified language while always wearing white gloves during the task.
Although Oshiya is often known as passenger pushers, they also have the responsibility of preventing passengers from entering the train compartment if it's already crowded. They also assist in checking for personal belongings, such as bags, stuck in the entry/exit doors. On a broader scale, Oshiya's task is to ensure smooth passenger boarding and alighting.
Suffocating 'Sardine Train' Journeys
In recent times, in 2012, Hong Kong photographer Michael Wolf created a photo series titled Tokyo Compression, capturing the resigned expressions of subway commuters as their faces were pressed against the windows.
These images depict the appalling conditions inside the subway, where bodies are pressed together to the point of limited movement. Getting off at the right station requires significant effort and determination. In case of serious issues, evacuation is also cumbersome and time-consuming.
Despite its drawbacks, it's undeniable that the 'sardine packing' technique has significantly increased the capacity of subway trains in densely populated cities.
Inspired by Japan, in February 2017, the capital city of Madrid recruited 'passenger pushers' to serve the subway system in Spain. Due to the temporary closure of one of the lines for maintenance, the influx of passengers onto other lines saw a considerable increase.
Source: Compilation
