In the Shanghai subway system, the normal case is that one half of the escalator walks and the other stands still. But when the crowd is large, population pressure forces both halves to stand still.
This experience made me surprised that Tokyo would need to implement such a system top-down; I figured their crowds would be large enough that it was happening anyway.
Looks like "better" queueing behavior may be responsible for the failure.
I now take it upon myself to be the first person” sometimes. If I see a long line forming to stand, and no one is walking at all, I will stand in the “walking” lane.
After that I see a lot of people with relief on their faces when they stand behind me.
I guess it also helps that I’m bald, Asian guy with a long beard. so maybe they think I’m a bum. Otherwise there were times I’ve seen people admonish the standers.
This experience made me surprised that Tokyo would need to implement such a system top-down; I figured their crowds would be large enough that it was happening anyway.
Looks like "better" queueing behavior may be responsible for the failure.