3. From National Railway Operator to Regional Railway Operator

In 1987, Japan National Railway, abbreviated as JNR, was divided into six regional operator companies. JNR did not divide the train operator and infrastructure like some European countries did. Newborn railway companies kept all components for railway operation --- all infrastructure including rolling stock, railroad track, and maintenance facilities. All staff members needed to operate these facilities are employed in one company group, except that they are divided by region.