UTSUNOMIYA, TOCHIGI PREF. – 

Japan's first new tram system in 75 years began operating in Utsunomiya on Saturday, with features designed to make it easy to access for the elderly and wheelchair users as the nation's population ages.

The so-called next-generation tram system in Tochigi Prefecture runs between the east side of Utsunomiya Station and the nearby town of Haga, covering the 14.6-kilometer route in 48 minutes.

The train, which features yellow stripes, has been dubbed the "Lightline" after the frequent lightning observed in Utsunomiya that has earned the capital of Tochigi the nickname "thunder capital."

Running on renewable energy, the train cars are designed with low floors and reduced vibration for ease of access.

Utsunomiya Mayor Eiichi Sato said at an opening ceremony that he hopes the new transit network will contribute to "exchanges among people and bring energy to the local area."

Utsunomiya's new tram operates in the city on Saturday. | KYODO

A special train commemorating the start of the service left the Utsunomiya Station East stop. A crowd cheered and watched the departure.

The Haga Utsunomiya Light Rail Transit, which cost ¥68.4 billion ($467 million) to build, was initially planned to open in March 2022, but the schedule was postponed twice due to a delay in construction work. A derailing incident occurred during a trial operation in November.

The Utsunomiya Municipal Government is also planning a 5-kilometer extension of the tramway from the west side of Utsunomiya Station by 2035.

The last time a new tram system opened in Japan was in Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture.

Culled from Japan Times

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