For gaijn Shibuya Station is now called "G-1"

[Taro Toporific]

Eidan, Tokyo plan ID codes for subway lines, stations Yomiuri Shimbun / Sept 21
In an attempt to make using the subway system easier for foreign passengers, Teito Rapid Transit Authority (Eidan) and the Tokyo metropolitan government's Transportation Bureau will introduce in April a system that assigns subway lines and stations a letter-number code...
...under the new system as follows: "Take the A line from A18 to A11, change to the H line at H9 and get off at H5."
Such directions currently would be given as: "Take the Asakusa Line at Asakusa Station to Higashi-Ginza Station, change to the Hibiya Line, and get off at Kamiyacho Station."

[GomiGirl]

This sounds more confusing!!! What is wrong with station names?

Non-japanese speakers may not pronounce them correctly, but at least they can read the romaji!!

[Taro Toporific]

This sounds more confusing!!! What is wrong with station names?
Non-japanese speakers may not pronounce them correctly, but at least they can read the romaji!!

I thought the same thing, BUT Yokohama Subway claimed great success in this numbering approach for the World Cup. I wild guess is that Tokyo is trying to copy the Yokohama numbering system here: http://www.city.yokohama.jp/me/koutuu/english/e/032sub.html

SOUL TRAIN!

[Caustic Saint]

SOUL TRAIN!

Hey! His brother is one of the "stars" of the Twisted Metal series:

[kurohinge1]

Eidan, Tokyo plan ID codes for subway lines, stations Yomiuri Shimbun / Sept 21
In an attempt to make using the subway system easier for foreign passengers, Teito Rapid Transit Authority (Eidan) and the Tokyo metropolitan government's Transportation Bureau will introduce in April a system that assigns subway lines and stations a letter-number code...
...under the new system as follows: "Take the A line from A18 to A11, change to the H line at H9 and get off at H5." ...

I just see it now, FG's running about asking the Japanese where the H line is ... Where's the etchi line?

Still, it would make it a lot easier dealing with the order in each line if they use numbers, rather than having to remember each station name in order - but the same applies to all cities.

[bejiita]

Actually, this system would work very well. When I visited the New England area and had a chance to drive on their freeways, this numbering system makes perfect sense. Instead of wondering how far away your specific exit is, you just look at the numbering system and it tells you exactly how far away your exit is.

I think they should implement it everywhere!