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Aura of Success: The First Years of Japan's Privatized National Railways

S(ubstack)-Bahn • 341 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
💼 Business Privatization Transportation Railways Economics
  1. Japan's privatized national railways, known as JR, started with a big public celebration but hid serious financial issues. The debt from the old national rail system was moved to a new agency, allowing JR to look profitable right from the start.
  2. To make the railways seem successful, the government cut jobs and weakened labor unions, which helped JR reduce costs and shift focus to customer service, making it appear more efficient.
  3. While JR showed initial profitability and ridership growth, the reality is that public funding and clever accounting masked ongoing financial struggles, leading to a significant government bailout years later.

The Death and Privatization of Japanese National Railways (Part 2, 1982-1987)

S(ubstack)-Bahn • 220 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Privatization Labor Unions Political Influence Railways Reform
  1. The privatization and dissolution of Japanese National Railways (JNR) was driven by political dynamics and a push for neoliberal reforms by key figures like Yasuhiro Nakasone.
  2. The media played a significant role in shaping public opinion and supporting the privatization of JNR, contributing to its downfall.
  3. Labor unions ultimately surrendered and supported JNR privatization and division, leading to the dissolution of the iconic railway agency by April 1, 1987.

The Rise and Fall of Japan's National Public Railway Labor Unions

S(ubstack)-Bahn • 160 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
💾 History Labor Unions Privatization Neoliberalism Railways Japan
  1. Japan's national public railway labor unions faced a significant decline from their powerful past, with membership dropping drastically over the years.
  2. The labor unions within Japan's national railways held significant influence and power in the past, shaping the fate of the railways through radical left-wing politics and strikes.
  3. The privatization of Japan's national railways in the 1980s marked the end for the powerful labor unions, leading to mass layoffs, legal battles, and the dissolution of the unions.

When The Underground Sucked: London's Atmospheric Railways

Londonist: Time Machine • 59 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
💾 History 19th century Transportation London Railways
  1. London's atmospheric railways in the 19th century were like the Hyperloop of that time, a unique transportation system that was given serious thought.
  2. An atmospheric railway was essentially being pulled to work through a giant vacuum cleaner, an innovative and unconventional concept for its era.
  3. The article explores past futures and how London's history includes fascinating ideas like atmospheric railways that can offer a unique perspective on the present.
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