Brief Analysis and Inspiration of Osaka Loop Line Rail Transit Corridor in Japan

Objective Circular rail transit corridor can effectively integrate the radial rail transit lines, couple urban and suburban rail transit systems, and strengthen rail transit networks, providing a new idea to break the current rail transit construction and development dilemma in China. However, the connection and transfer between the circular and radial lines pose new challenges to transfer services, and it is urgent to conduct an in-depth research on the multi-route operation organization, line connection and transfer modes of the circular rail transit corridor. Method The network and operational characteristics of JR Osaka Loop Line are elaborated, and how this transit corridor promotes the sustainable development of entire urban rail transit system is analyzed, by way of organizing straight-through operations between different lines, coupling intensive transfers between different systems, and optimizing the hardware and software facilities of transfer hubs. Result ＆ Conclusion In China, multi-level rail transit systems should be planned to provide services meeting diverse travel distance demands. The original intention behind constructing rail transit circular lines should be clarified: it is not merely for the sake of the loop line, but for creating a broader area with the loop line by coupling different rail transit systems through a "circular+radial" rail transit network, and by organizing a multi-route straight-through operation and a cross-station operation to reduce transfer times and enhance travel convenience. Lines at transfer hubs should be arranged in parallel forms, with parallel transfer platforms. At the same time, on-station transfer guidance facilities should be optimized to improve the hub transfer efficiency.