Japan Operates New Trem System: Environmental Friendly, Elderly And Wheelchair Users

JAKARTA - Japan has re-launched its mode of public transportation with the latest and human-friendly technology, when the country opened new service routes since the last decades ago.

For the first time in 75 years, a new tram system opened in Japan last Saturday, to be precise in Utsunomiya, with features designed to facilitate access for the elderly and wheelchair users as the country's population ages.

The next generation tram system in Tochigi Prefecture operates between the east side of Utsunomiya Station and nearby Haga City, taking a 14.6-kilometer route in 48 minutes.

This trend with yellow lines is dubbed the "Lightline". Not without reason, because Utsunomiya, who is the capital city of Tochigi Prefecture, is often hit by lightning, so it is dubbed the'mother of thunder'.

Using renewable energy, the new tram carriage is designed with a low floor and reduced vibration for easy access.

"This new transportation network is expected to contribute to community traffic and bring energy to the local area," said Utsunomiya Mayor Eiichi Sato at the opening ceremony, reported Kyodo News on August 26.

Swallowing construction costs of up to 467 million US dollars, Light Rail Transit Haga Utsunomiya was originally planned to be launched in March 2022. However, it was delayed twice due to a delay in construction work. An accident also occurred during a trial last November.

Selai itu, Pemerintah Kota Utsunomiya juga merencanakan perpanjangan jalur tram sepanjang 5 kilometer dari sisi barat Stasiun Utsunomiya pada tahun 2035.

Commemorating the launch this time, a special livery tram leaving Utsunomiya Station indicated the line was officially operational.

It is known that the opening of a new tram network in the Land of the Rising Sun was last 75 years ago, precisely in Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture.