New subway line connecting Ikebukuro, Shinjuku and Shibuya districts ready to roll

A new subway line connecting the Ikebukuro, Shinjuku and Shibuya districts of Tokyo is to begin operations on Saturday.

The 20.2-kilometer Fukutoshin (Subcenter) Line comprises of the newly constructed 8.9-kilometer section between Shibuya and Ikebukuro stations and another section between Ikebukuro and Wako-Shi in Saitama Prefecture, which is now part of the Yurakucho Line.

The Fukutoshin Line is expected to transport approximately 150,000 passengers a day, according to its operator, Tokyo Metro Co.

The travel time between Shibuya and Ikebukuro will be 11 minutes for express trains and 16 minutes for local trains.

Some through trains will be operated between the Fukutoshin Line and the Seibu Shinjuku Line and between the Fukutoshin Line and the Tobu Tojo Line. The Fukutoshin Line is believed to be the last subway line to be built in Tokyo for the immediate future.

Prior to its inauguration, an opening ceremony was held at Shinjuku-Sanchome Station in Shinjuku-ku on Friday morning, attended by Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara and other officials.

"Whether an urban area can mature depends on efficient means of transportation. The new line will lead to the vitalization of Tokyo," Ishihara said in his speech.

Following a red and white tape-cutting ceremony, Ishihara rode on a train as part of a trial operation on the line.

(Mainichi - June 13th 2008)