A Japanese rail company has “sincerely” apologised after one of its trains departed 20 seconds ahead of schedule.
Bosses at Tsukuba Express, a company operating across Japan’s famously prompt transport network, issued a statement after its train left Minami Nagareyama station seconds early.
The train had been scheduled to leave on November 14 at 9:44:40 but instead departed at 9:44:20.
According to the company, the error was due to a member of staff not double checking the train timetable.
No customers had complained about the departure time, but before the end of the day the company had published the statement.
On the website the statement read: “We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused to our customers.
“This is due to the fact that the crew did not sufficiently check the departure time and performed the departure operation.
“Please note that there are no customer complaints in this matter.”
Twitter users around the world reacted with surprise to the announcement, with some pointing out the contrast between Japanese rail operators and those in the UK.
“In the UK you barely get an apology even if half the trains are running,” one person wrote.
One said: “Trains in the UK are classed as 'late' only after 10/15 minutes, and all the train companies do is shrug.”
“Imagine them having to put up with Southern Rail! Or any UK rail company for that matter,” wrote another.
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