Yamanote Line To Get Security Cameras

Above, passengers boarding the Yamanote Line at Shinjuku Statiom. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The JR Yamanote train line that encircles central Tokyo will soon be installing surveillance cameras in its trains.

According to Japan Today:

Tokyo - East Japan Railway Co (JR East) said Tuesday it will introduce security cameras on trains running on Tokyo's Yamanote loop line to enhance security. 

The railway operator will introduce the cameras on 550 train cars starting in the spring of 2018, completing installation by 2020 in time for the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, it said. 

The installment of the cameras is expected to cost around 2 billion yen ($18 million), according to the company. 

"Crimes and nuisance are becoming noticeable on trains. (Security cameras are) necessary to prevent terrorism as well," President Tetsuro Tomita said at a press conference, adding train cars on other JR East lines are planned to be equipped with surveillance cameras.

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