Telework and Measures Ease Expo Transport Congestion in Osaka

Transportation Demand Management in Osaka for the 2025 World Expo

Osaka is preparing to wrap up its 2025 World Expo on October 13, and one of the key strategies that have contributed to easing congestion has been transportation demand management (TDM). This approach has involved companies reducing the flow of commuters through telework and staggered work hours. A recent investigation into the situation highlights how these measures have impacted daily life in the region.

On a weekday in late September, just two weeks before the Expo's conclusion, a reporter from The Mainichi visited Osaka Metro's Hommachi Station shortly after 8 a.m., a time typically associated with the morning rush. The station serves multiple lines, including the Chuo Line to Yumeshima, where the Expo is held, as well as the Midosuji and Yotsubashi lines. Inside the station, passengers were guided by one-way routes and security staff using loudspeakers. On the Chuo Line platform, there was no sign of crowding. Inside the trains, while most seats were occupied, there was still enough standing space until Yumeshima Station. This was made possible by increased service frequency, with trains running every 2.5 minutes at peak times since April, which had a visible impact on reducing congestion.

The Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition, along with the Osaka Prefectural Government, the Osaka Municipal Government, and local businesses, implemented TDM measures in stages based on congestion levels. These efforts were supported by public awareness campaigns, including station advertisements and TV commercials starting in September as visitor numbers increased. The goal was to encourage participation in the initiative.

The effectiveness of these measures has been notable. From May 26 to 30, before TDM was introduced, trains on the Chuo Line between Bentencho and Asashiobashi stations were filled to an average of 120% capacity during the morning rush. After TDM was implemented, this figure dropped to 106%, and by August 18 to 29, it further decreased to 101%.

As of September 10, 3,669 businesses were participating in the program. One such company is Lixil Corp., a major housing equipment manufacturer based in Tokyo, located near Cosmosquare Station on the Chuo Line in Osaka's Suminoe Ward. Approximately 400 employees, over 70% of the 540 who work there, have adopted measures such as working from home, staggering work hours, and holding online meetings. The company also communicated TDM guidelines to clients and other external parties, often opting for virtual meetings or relocating closer to the other party.

Internally, some employees noted that while the Chuo Line now has more frequent trains, morning congestion toward Yumeshima hasn't changed much compared to pre-Expo times. To support flexibility, Lixil introduced flextime, allowing employees to choose their start and end times between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. They can also coordinate days off according to their preferences.

With the rise of telework, employees now have the freedom to work from various locations, including remote islands or regional cities. Some have even requested to work from other regions. Lixil had already established a remote work environment before the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the company, evolving customer needs have led to new product development inspired by employees balancing work with child care or caregiving responsibilities. These circumstances have encouraged a shift toward flexible work styles.

The prefectural and municipal governments have also promoted telework and staggered working hours. In October, 70% of staff at the Osaka Prefectural Government Sakishima Building and the Asia and Pacific Trade Center participated in the flexible work initiative, while 30% of staff at main government buildings did so.

In October, a revised law on child and family care leave came into full effect, requiring companies to allow employees to choose flexible work styles. Osaka Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura stated that the government will review whether operations ran smoothly during the TDM period and hopes that the efforts made will lead to further work style reforms.