[Kobe Electric Railway] Announcement of the January 2025 Timetable Revision for March 15, 2025!

Kobe Electric Railway announced on January 31 that it will implement a timetable revision starting March 15, 2025.

This timetable change aims to expand the time slots for "door-to-door connections" with the subway at Tanigami Station, while also addressing declining ridership due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the declining birthrate and aging population, and changes in social structure. It appears that revisions to the number of trains, operating sections, and train types, as well as the delaying of final trains connecting to other lines and the advancing of other final trains, will be implemented.

Overview of the Timetable Revision

The overview of the timetable revision is as follows.

Timetable Revision Date
From March 15, 2025

Main Timetable Changes
○ Expansion of time slots for "door-to-door connections" with the Municipal Subway at Tanigami Station.
[Weekdays]
- All day, excluding approximately 1 hour from 7:00 AM to the first half of the 8:00 AM hour.
[Saturdays and Holidays]
- Transfers on the platform will be possible all day.

○ Arima/Sanda Line
[Weekdays]
● Morning Rush Hour
《Changes in Train Types》
Changed the type of 3 inbound and 2 outbound trains.
- 3 inbound "Express" trains from Sanda/Dojo-minamiguchi to Shinkaichi changed to "Semi-Express" and "Local".
- 2 outbound "Express" trains from Shinkaichi to Sanda changed to "Semi-Express".
《Review of Number of Trains》

Reduced 3 inbound and 3 outbound trains. Increased 1 outbound train.
- Reduced 2 inbound trains between Arimaguchi and Shinkaichi.
- Reduced 1 inbound train between Sanda and Dojo-minamiguchi.
- Reduced 1 outbound train between Shinkaichi and Arimaguchi.
- Reduced 1 outbound train between Suzurandai and Arimaguchi.
- Reduced 1 outbound train between Okaba and Sanda.
- Increased 1 outbound train between Suzurandai and Okaba.

● Before Evening Rush to Evening Rush Hour
《Changes in Train Types》
Changed the type of 2 inbound and 1 outbound train.
- 2 inbound "Express" trains from Sanda to Shinkaichi changed to "Semi-Express".
- 1 outbound "Express" train from Shinkaichi to Sanda changed to "Semi-Express".

《Review of Number of Trains》
Reduced 4 inbound and 3 outbound trains. Increased 1 outbound train.
- Reduced 3 inbound trains between Suzurandai and Shinkaichi.
- Reduced 1 inbound train between Okaba and Suzurandai.
- Reduced 1 outbound train between Shinkaichi and Suzurandai.
- Reduced 2 outbound trains between Shinkaichi and Dojo-minamiguchi.
- Increased 1 outbound train between Okaba and Dojo-minamiguchi.

[Saturdays and Holidays]
● Morning Rush Hour
《Changes in Train Types》
Changed the type of 2 inbound trains.
- 2 inbound "Express" trains from Sanda to Shinkaichi changed to "Semi-Express" and "Local".
《Review of Number of Trains》

Reduced 3 inbound and 3 outbound trains. Increased 1 inbound and 2 outbound trains.
- Reduced 1 inbound train between Arimaguchi and Shinkaichi.
- Reduced 1 inbound train between Okaba and Suzurandai.
- Reduced 1 inbound train between Dojo-minamiguchi and Okaba.
- Increased 1 inbound train between Dojo-minamiguchi and Arimaguchi.
- Reduced 1 outbound train between Shinkaichi and Suzurandai.
- Reduced 2 outbound trains between Suzurandai and Arimaguchi.
- Increased 1 outbound train between Suzurandai and Tanigami.
- Increased 1 outbound train between Arimaguchi and Okaba.

● Before Evening Rush to Evening Rush Hour
《Changes in Train Types》
Changed the type of 1 inbound and 1 outbound train.
- 1 inbound "Express" train from Sanda to Shinkaichi changed to "Local".
- 1 outbound "Express" train from Shinkaichi to Sanda changed to "Semi-Express".

《Review of Number of Trains》
Reduced 1 outbound train. Increased 1 inbound train.
- Increased 1 inbound train between Arimaguchi and Suzurandai.
- Reduced 1 outbound train between Suzurandai and Dojo-minamiguchi.

[Weekdays/Saturdays and Holidays Common]
《Delaying of final trains connecting to other lines》
- Changed the second-to-last inbound train from Sanda to Tanigami to terminate at Suzurandai.
(Increased: 1 train between Tanigami and Suzurandai)
→ The final inbound train between Tanigami and Suzurandai is delayed by 16 minutes.

《Advancing of final trains》
- Changed the final inbound train from Sanda to Tanigami to terminate at Okaba.
(Reduced: 1 train between Okaba and Tanigami)
→ The final inbound train between Okaba and Tanigami is advanced by 15 minutes.
- Changed the final inbound train from Sanda to Okaba to terminate at Dojo-minamiguchi.
(Reduced: 1 train between Dojo-minamiguchi and Okaba)
→ The final inbound train between Dojo-minamiguchi and Okaba is advanced by 10 minutes.

○ Ao Line
[Weekdays]
● Morning Rush Hour
《Review of Number of Trains》
Reduced 2 inbound and 1 outbound train.
- Reduced 2 inbound trains between Nishi-Suzurandai and Shinkaichi.
- Reduced 1 outbound train between Suzurandai and Nishi-Suzurandai.

[Saturdays and Holidays]
● Morning Rush Hour
《Review of Number of Trains》
Reduced 1 inbound train.
- Reduced 1 inbound train between Nishi-Suzurandai and Suzurandai.

[Weekdays/Saturdays and Holidays Common]
● Late Night Hours
《Review of Number of Trains》
Reduced 1 inbound train.
- Reduced 1 inbound train between Shijimi and Suzurandai.

《Delaying of final trains connecting to other lines》
- Delayed the final outbound train from Shinkaichi to Ao by 15 minutes.
→ The final outbound train between Ono and Ao is delayed by 15 minutes.
- Delayed the final outbound train from Shinkaichi to Miki by 14 minutes.
→ The final outbound train between Shijimi and Miki is delayed by 14 minutes.

《Advancing of final trains》
- Reduced 1 final outbound train from Shinkaichi to Shijimi.
(Reduced: 1 train between Nishi-Suzurandai and Shijimi)
→ The final outbound train between Suzurandai and Shijimi is advanced by 11 minutes.
- Changed the final inbound train from Ao to Miki to terminate at Ono.
(Reduced: 1 train between Ono and Miki)
→ The final inbound train between Ao/Hata and Miki is advanced by 62 minutes,
and the final inbound train between Ono and Miki is advanced by 31 minutes.
- Changed the final outbound train from Shinkaichi to Ono to terminate at Miki.
(Reduced: 1 train between Miki and Ono)
→ The final outbound train between Miki and Ono is advanced by 17 minutes.
(18 minutes for Saturday/Holiday timetable)

This is the outline of this timetable revision.
For details, please see the official Kobe Electric Railway release below.
⇒ Regarding the Implementation of the Timetable Revision (PDF)

In addition, timetables for each station will be published on the official Kobe Electric Railway website in mid-February.

Personal Opinion

Since I don't know the details of the timetable yet, this is just speculation, but I would like to review it myself.
Sorry if I'm wrong, lol.

① Expansion of time slots for "door-to-door connections" with the Municipal Subway at Tanigami Station
● Weekdays/Outbound using Platforms 1 & 2
Current timetable: First train to 8:07 departure, 19:01 departure to 20:08 departure
New timetable: Only for about 1 hour from 7:00 AM to the first half of the 8:00 AM hour

● Saturdays and Holidays/Outbound using Platforms 1 & 2
Current timetable: First train to 7:50 departure
New timetable: Not used

Currently, outbound trains from the first train to 8:07 AM on weekdays/7:50 AM on Saturdays and holidays, and from 19:01 to 20:08 on weekdays, depart from Platforms 1 and 2, and transfers during these times required going up and down to the concourse floor.
With this revision, this will be shortened to only the 7:00 AM to the first half of the 8:00 AM hour on weekdays.
On Saturdays and holidays, cross-platform transfers will be possible all day.
It is good news that the "Tanigami Dash" will be significantly improved.
However, since I think it was achieved by reducing trains during rush hour, it's complicated whether I should be happy about it...

② Downgrading of train types and review of the number of trains on the Arima/Sanda Line
● Weekdays/Morning Rush Hour
Inbound: Current timetable ・3 "Express" trains from Sanda (6:30, 7:15, 7:37),
1 "Express" train from Dojo-minamiguchi (7:00)
New timetable ・1 "Express" train from Sanda (7:23)
・Reduced 2 trains between Arimaguchi and Shinkaichi
・Reduced 1 train between Sanda and Dojo-minamiguchi

Outbound: Current timetable ・2 "Express" trains from Shinkaichi (6:53, 7:30)
New timetable ・0 "Express" trains from Shinkaichi
・Reduced 1 train between Shinkaichi and Arimaguchi
・Reduced 1 train between Suzurandai and Arimaguchi
・Reduced 1 train between Okaba and Sanda
・Increased 1 train between Suzurandai and Okaba

● Weekdays/Before Evening Rush to Evening Rush Hour
Inbound: Current timetable ・2 "Express" trains from Sanda (18:37, 19:08)
New timetable ・0 "Express" trains from Sanda
・Reduced 1 train between Okaba and Suzurandai
・Reduced 3 trains between Suzurandai and Shinkaichi

Outbound: Current timetable ・3 "Express" trains from Shinkaichi (18:12, 18:44, 20:00)
New timetable ・2 "Express" trains from Shinkaichi (18:12, 18:42)
・Reduced 1 train between Shinkaichi and Suzurandai
・Reduced 2 trains between Shinkaichi and Dojo-minamiguchi
・Increased 1 train between Okaba and Dojo-minamiguchi

● Saturdays and Holidays/Morning Rush Hour
Inbound: Current timetable ・5 "Express" trains from Sanda (6:32, 6:48, 7:02, 7:18, 7:35)
New timetable ・3 "Express" trains from Sanda (6:53, 7:08, 7:23)
・Reduced 1 train between Arimaguchi and Shinkaichi
・Reduced 1 train between Dojo-minamiguchi and Okaba
・Reduced 1 train between Okaba and Suzurandai
・Increased 1 train between Dojo-minamiguchi and Arimaguchi

Outbound: Current timetable ・0 "Express" trains from Shinkaichi
New timetable ・0 "Express" trains from Shinkaichi
・Reduced 1 train between Shinkaichi and Suzurandai
・Reduced 2 trains between Suzurandai and Arimaguchi
・Increased 1 train between Suzurandai and Tanigami
・Increased 1 train between Arimaguchi and Okaba

● Saturdays and Holidays/Before Evening Rush to Evening Rush Hour
Inbound: Current timetable ・1 "Express" train from Sanda (18:51)
New timetable ・0 "Express" trains from Sanda
・Increased 1 train between Arimaguchi and Suzurandai

Outbound: Current timetable ・1 "Express" train from Shinkaichi (18:41)
New timetable ・0 "Express" trains from Shinkaichi
・Reduced 1 train between Suzurandai and Dojo-minamiguchi

Most "Express" trains will be downgraded to "Semi-Express" or "Local" services, leading to a sharp decrease in "Express" trains.
The number of "Express" trains operating after the revision is expected to be as follows:
Weekdays: Inbound - 1 in the morning, 0 in the evening.
Weekdays: Outbound - 0 in the morning, 2 in the evening.
Weekends/Holidays: Inbound - 3 in the morning, 0 in the evening.
Weekends/Holidays: Outbound - 0 in the morning, 0 in the evening.

North of Suzurandai, the only stations bypassed by Express trains are Minotani and Shintetsu-Rokko.
It is no exaggeration to say that, except for passengers in the Suzurandai area (Suzurandai, Kita-Suzurandai, and Yama-no-machi stations), the significance of these trains had almost been lost, so perhaps the reduction of "Express" services was inevitable.

With the downgrading of "Express" trains, it seems that "Local" trains intended to serve bypassed stations will also be reduced, but the number of downgrades and the number of service reductions do not necessarily match.

After checking the new timetable on route information websites, it appears that some of the "Local" trains that were set up to serve bypassed stations will continue to operate even after the revision.

Additionally, the two "Special Rapid" trains currently scheduled for weekday mornings (departing Sanda at 6:47 and 7:02) will continue to operate as two trains after the revision (departing Sanda at 6:53 and 7:08).

3. Review of operating frequency during late-night hours, and moving last train times earlier or later
● Ao Line Outbound
- The last outbound train from Shinkaichi to Ao will be moved from 21:48 to 22:03.
→ The last train between Ono and Ao will be 15 minutes later.
- The last outbound train from Shinkaichi to Ono will be changed to terminate at Miki.
→ The last train between Miki and Ono will be 17 minutes earlier on weekdays and 18 minutes earlier on weekends/holidays.
- The last outbound train from Shinkaichi to Miki will be moved from 23:20 to 23:34.
→ The last train between Shijimi and Miki will be 14 minutes later.
- The 23:43 Shinkaichi to Shijimi train will be discontinued (→ The last train to Miki will be the 23:34 departure from Shinkaichi).
→ The last train between Suzurandai and Shijimi will be 11 minutes earlier.

● Ao Line Inbound
- One train between Shijimi and Suzurandai will be discontinued.
- The 23:19 Ao to Miki train will be changed to a 23:17 Ao to Ono train.
→ The last train between Ao/Hata and Miki will be 62 minutes earlier (the 22:17 departure from Ao will be the last).
The last train between Ono and Miki will be 31 minutes earlier (the 22:53 departure from Ono will be the last).

● Arima/Sanda Line Inbound
- The 23:45 Sanda to Tanigami train will be changed to terminate at Suzurandai.
→ The last train between Tanigami and Suzurandai will be 16 minutes later.
- The 24:02 Sanda to Tanigami train will be changed to a 24:03 Sanda to Okaba train.
→ The last train between Okaba and Tanigami will be 15 minutes earlier (the 23:45 departure from Sanda will be the last).
- The 24:24 Sanda to Okaba train will be changed to a 24:25 Sanda to Dojo-minamiguchi train.
→ The last train between Dojo-minamiguchi and Okaba will be 10 minutes earlier (the 24:14 departure from Sanda will be the last).

Perhaps the most shocking change is the 62-minute earlier last train from Ao to Miki?
According to the Kobe Shimbun, the 23:19 Ao to Miki train will be changed to a 23:17 Ao to Ono train.
The 22:17 Ao to Shinkaichi train will be the last train from Ao and Hata stations to Miki.
However, it is said that there are fewer than 5 passengers on this last train.
While a "62-minute earlier" change sounds quite dramatic, the impact can be considered limited.

Last trains on other sections have been moved 10 to 16 minutes earlier or later.

By the way, the last trains (weekdays) from Shinkaichi Station to each area in the new timetable are:
22:03 for Ao, 22:32 for Ono, 23:30 for Sanda, 23:34 for Miki, 23:50 for Dojo-minamiguchi (connecting to Arima Onsen), and 0:03 for Suzurandai.

That is a quick summary of the changes.

Personally speaking...

Regarding the Ao Line, there are almost no service reductions other than the review of the last trains.
There is only a reduction of 1-2 trains each way between Suzurandai and Nishi-Suzurandai, and 1 inbound train from Shijimi to Suzurandai.
Moving the last train earlier is painful, but I have the impression that there were fewer service reductions than I expected.

On the other hand, for the Arima/Sanda Line, the reduction of "Express" trains was indeed shocking.
Express trains have disappeared from weekday morning outbound, weekday evening inbound, and weekend/holiday evening both ways.
There are now only 1 weekday morning inbound, 2 weekday evening outbound, and 3 weekend/holiday morning inbound trains.

Looking back at the past, the congestion rate in fiscal year 1972 (Suzurandai to Minatogawa) was as high as 217%, and it remained around 200% until the early 1980s.

By the way, the highest congestion rate in the country for the most recent fiscal year 2023 was 171% on the Nippori-Toneri Liner.
In the Osaka area, it was 143% on the Hankyu Kobe Line, 132% on the Subway Midosuji Line, and 116% on the Osaka Loop Line.
This shows just how incredible the congestion rate of the Shintetsu line was at that time.

At that time, inbound trains to Shinkaichi were already experiencing overflow at stations like Kabutodai and Oike, and it was so crowded at subsequent intermediate stations that it was difficult to even board or get off.
Of course, the Hokushin Kyuko line had not yet opened at that time.
They had to set up "Express" and "Commuter Express" trains to separate long-distance and short-distance passengers, otherwise they could not have handled the commuting rush to Shinkaichi.

The congestion rate remained around 200% until the early 1980s, but due to various factors, the congestion rate for the most recent fiscal year 2023 was 84%, and the most congested section has shifted to Hanayama to Tanigami.

With the congestion rate falling below 100%, the need to separate long-distance and short-distance passengers has decreased.
Also, the fact that the most congested section is now Hanayama to Tanigami instead of Suzurandai to Minatogawa is presumed to be one of the reasons for the decline in the significance of "Express" trains.

Since it is thought that the future Arima/Sanda Line will have a timetable focused on connections to the municipal subway at Tanigami and transport efficiency, I think it will be quite difficult to increase the number of superior trains, won't it?

Of course, if the number of passengers on the Sanda Line increases, there might be a possibility of increasing "Special Rapid" trains or reviving "Rapid" trains, and if the number of passengers at Express-stopping stations on the Arima Line increases, there might be a possibility of increasing "Express" trains, but...

With the previous reduction of services between Shinkaichi and Suzurandai and on the Ao Line, and now the reduction on the Arima/Sanda Line, Kobe Electric Railway continues to implement defensive timetable revisions.

However, since the route bus between Sannomiya and Arima Onsen was discontinued on March 31, 2024, it is just my personal feeling, but I feel that the number of passengers on the Arima Line has been gradually increasing.
Furthermore, the Shinki Bus route between Kobe Station South Exit and Sanda Station is also scheduled to be suspended after March 31, 2025, and it seems that there will be no route buses running at all between Tanigami and Gosa.

I don't know how the fare increase implemented on January 19, 2025, will affect things in the future, but I hope they can somehow make a comeback.

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