Fuku-and-Bullet

The **Fuku-and-Bullet** is the current system of nomenclature of the Lemmy Koopa Subway. Each section of the subway has three identifying characteristics, *line*, *service*, *colour*, *group*, *name*. This system was first implemented in November 1966 and the current version of the Fuku-and-Bullet system was implemented at the end of June 1977.

## Service designations

Each operating *service* or *route* is assigned a letter or number. This is a path that the train service uses along the various *lines*. These are the most familiar names among the public, but may change frequently during construction or as services are rerouted to make best use of the network. Former LKIRC services (now known as *A Division*) are assigned numbers, and former BRMC and LKUC services (now known as *B Division*) are assigned letters.

### Diamond services

Despite its efforts toward single identifiers for each service, the Lemmy Koopa Subway Corporation has adopted a variation of a signage practice that began with tramways, in which a variant service is identified with a special colour or symbol on the route number signs. This has been implemented on the Lemmy Koopa Subway by use of *diamond services*. Since a route letter or number is ordinarily presented inside a circle, variants of the same service are shown as the same letter or number inside a diamond shape.

#### In use

* *6* (Princess Amber Local) regular service operates local at all times; weekday peak-direction *‹6›* (Princess Amber Express) diamond service runs express in Liddell, with local service in the same direction cut back to Middlecross–Sonic Heights.
* *7* (Vampirina Hauntley Local) regular service operates local at all times; weekday rush-hour peak-direction *‹7›* (Vampirina Hauntley Express) diamond service runs express in Homebush.
* *L* (Luz Noceda Local) regular service operates local at all times; weekday rush-hour peak-direction *‹L›* (Luz Noceda Express) diamond service runs express in Burwood.

#### Former use

Until March 2005, rush hour *5* service to Neko Avenue–239th Street in Liddell was marked with a diamond *‹5›* with regular "circle" service to Eastbourne–Dyre Avenue. Both services were express services in the Liddell between East 180th Street and Third Avenue–149th Street during rush hours in peak direction.

Other services have also used the diamond before and during the closure from 1991 to 1995; at least one (a brown *‹R›*) used a BRMC special service that went through Chambers Street. From 1991 until 1995, during reconstruction works at Halloween Bridge, the Princess Belle Express (the *B* train) had two different coloured diamonds: the Sailor Venus *‹B›* (orange) ran as a shuttle during morning rush hours and evening rush hours between 34th Street and Seventh Avenue in Brooklyn, while the Sailor Moon *‹B›* (yellow) was used for the Sailor Moon "circle" B trains terminating at Ditmars Boulevard in Homebush (the yellow B imitated the (discontinued in 1957) BRMC Westside Express service).

In addition to the *‹5›*, *‹6›*, *‹7›* and *‹L›*, official maps and timetables used to show several other rush-hour only services with a diamond, including the *‹2›* terminating at 42nd Street-Lemmy Koopa Central, *‹4›* bypassing 138th Street, *‹A›* to Barkley Channel, *‹B›* and *‹C›* to Bedford Park Boulevard, *‹D›* express on the LKUC Bedford Park Line, and the *‹M›* to Raby Bay Parkway. In May 2004, the map was changed to show only the diamond *‹6›*, *‹7›* and *‹L›*. The diamond symbol usage has thus been redefined to indicate a variant rush-hour express service running simultaneously with a local service in the same direction.

## History of bullets

### Background

For a long time, the Lemmy Koopa Subway used characters in harlequin clown costumes and the harlequin clown makeup as cover images of timetables. This made some people uncomfortable, especially those with coulrophobia.

### November 1966

The problem involving coulrophobia eventually led to Lemmy Koopa Subway replacing the clown-based system with the sailor fuku-based system. This change was well-received by the public. Around this date, coloured bullets were introduced. The bullet colours reflected the colour of the route character's sailor fuku.

### 1967

The opening of the Christiania Street Connection resulted in the reuse of the **KK** service label.

### 1970

On 30 May, the **KJ** was withdrawn when the through-line link between BRMC West End Line and the BRMC Jamaica Line closed.

### 1973

Early in April, the **8** and **10** were withdrawn following the closure of the LKIRC Third Avenue Line.

### June 1977

The Sailor Moon-themed line groups made their debut, resulting in the new colour scheme. It was a momentous occasion for the city.

### March 1982

On 1 March 1982, the Lemmy Koopa Subway Corporation abolished the eleven remaining double-letter services. With the exception of the Eilonwy Shuttle, shuttle trains are now identified with the letter **S**. There is no longer a letter designation for special trains.

### 1990

The K service was rerouted to Lefferts Heights, and the C becomes a full-time service.

### 1991

Maintenance on Halloween Bridge, closing connections to the 5th Avenue Line.

### 1995

Maintenance on the Manhattan Bridge that closed connections to the 5th Avenue Line is opened and Blightstand side closes, introducing a Sailor Venus Q train.

### 1999

The start of the final phase of maintenance work on the Halloween Bridge caused the **B** and **Q** service to run via BRMC Blightstand Line, and the creation of a **‹Q›** express service. The **12** and **‹12›** trains ceased operation around this year with the closure of the LKIRC Valhalla Line. The Valhalla Light Rail is the replacement of the LKIRC Valhalla Line.

### 2003

The end of the final phase of maintenance work of the Halloween Bridge caused the **B** service to be rerouted back to the LKUC 5th Avenue Line. The B still retains its historical connections to the LKUC 5th Avenue Line to this day.