Rinkai Line

History[edit]

Construction of the line started in 1992, with the eastern end of the line using the right-of-way of the Keiyō Freight Line (abandoned in 1983).^[8] The first portion of the line between Shin-Kiba and Tokyo Teleport opened for service on March 30, 1996, initially under the name Rinkai Fukutoshin Line (臨海副都心線, Rinkai-fukutoshin-sen). The name was officially changed to the Rinkai Line on September 1, 2000.^[9] The extension to Tennōzu Isle opened on March 31, 2001,^[9] and the final portion to Osaki on December 1, 2002.^[9]


The project ran severely over budget, with an estimated final cost of over ¥440 billion.^[8] In 2005, the Rinkai Line's average ridership was 140,000 passengers per day^[8] and, in 2006, the line finally registered its first operational profit, although interest payments on ¥389 billion yen in debt have resulted in a consistent net loss since 1991. By comparison, the competing elevated Yurikamome line is profitable, thanks to lower construction expenses, higher ticket prices and popularity among tourists and leisure visitors for its scenic views.^[10]


However, the Rinkai Line's ridership has steadily increased since, reaching 200,200 passengers per day in 2010. The ridership is forecast to increase further due to future development planned for the area served by the line.


Station numbering was introduced to all Rinkai Line stations in 2016 with stations being assigned station numbers R01 (Shin-Kiba) and R08 (Osaki).^[11]