How does the floor projection system work in the subway?

Dynamic floor projections display real-time visual cues, such as arrows or messages, guiding passengers to train cars with lower occupancy. The system analyzes current train load and adjusts movement routes accordingly.

Which companies are involved in the project?

The initiative includes Tokyo Metro, Sharp, and Lester, with each company handling specific components: projection technology, data analysis, and infrastructure integration.

What are the primary goals of the experiment?

The main objectives are to reduce train overcrowding during peak hours, optimize passenger flow, and test automated crowd management capabilities. The project also evaluates long-term scalability for smart transit systems.

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Hardware

Tokyo Metro Tests Floor Projections to Reduce Train Overcrowding

September 3, 2026

Photo: ITmedia

Quick answer

Tokyo Metro, Sharp, and Lester are testing floor projections in Tokyo’s northeast subway to direct passengers to less crowded train cars, reducing overcrowding during peak hours.

Tokyo Metro, Sharp, and Lester have teamed up to launch an innovative project aimed at reducing overcrowding in the subway system. As part of a pilot test at Kita-Senju Station in northeastern Tokyo, projectors installed on the platform display dynamic visual cues that direct passengers to less crowded train cars.

The technology relies on real-time analysis of each car’s occupancy, generating visual prompts such as messages like 'Spaces available in this car' or arrows indicating movement directions. Beyond easing congestion, the project seeks to shorten boarding and alighting times for passengers.

During the experiment, the companies are evaluating the system’s effectiveness based on several metrics: passenger distribution dynamics between cars, passenger adaptation time to new cues, and overall station congestion relief during peak hours. Preliminary data indicates a 15–20% reduction in passenger concentration in targeted cars during early testing phases.

If the project proves successful, the technology could be expanded to other Tokyo Metro stations and cities. In the future, such solutions may become a standard for smart transit systems, integrating with surveillance and big data analytics platforms.

Common questions

How does the floor projection system work in the subway?: Dynamic floor projections display real-time visual cues, such as arrows or messages, guiding passengers to train cars with lower occupancy. The system analyzes current train load and adjusts movement routes accordingly.
Which companies are involved in the project?: The initiative includes Tokyo Metro, Sharp, and Lester, with each company handling specific components: projection technology, data analysis, and infrastructure integration.
What are the primary goals of the experiment?: The main objectives are to reduce train overcrowding during peak hours, optimize passenger flow, and test automated crowd management capabilities. The project also evaluates long-term scalability for smart transit systems.

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