Have you wondered how the Shinkansens keep on time so well? Apart from a very disciplined crew and train driver, there is an often overlooked group of people who ensure that all our journeys begin on time – the cleaning crew.
Even before the train arrives, the cleaning crew will stand by the entrance of the train doors to await its arrival. One will hold out a trash bag for alighting passengers to dispose of the rubbish they created during the journey, while the others ready themselves with their cleaning tools.
Once the train is empty, the crew goes in and methodically cleans every car. From the windows to sweeping the floors, to the foldable table, and even rotating the seats so they face in the direction the train is driving. It is said that each crew only has 12 seconds to clean each row of seat, and less than 7 minutes to clean each car, so there is no time to be wasted!
The cleaning crews are usually marked with either their uniform, or with an accessory. For this crew, they have a flower pinned to the lapel of their hats. If you see them, do appreciate them for their hard work.
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