Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Riding the rails
Programs: Japan Forum, Skyteam Elite Plus, BW Diamond Select, HHonors Gold, NWA, DL, NH
Posts: 1,936
As you note 2002, I edited my post, I found a photo dated June 2003 with the lines on it, then I loaded up my Lost in translation DVD to which was filmed in 2002 I think) and they were not there. So I can only conclude they appeared somewhere between 2002-2003.
Now what they are for? Not sure, it appears to help drivers turn the corners better? beats me. Honestly I've never paid any attention until you mentioned it.