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Astram Line
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| Astram Line (Hiroshima Rapid Transit Line 1) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
A 7000 series train on the Astram Line in December 2019 | |||
| Overview | |||
| Owner | Hiroshima Rapid Transit | ||
| Locale | Hiroshima | ||
| Termini | |||
| Stations | 22 | ||
| Service | |||
| Type | Rubber-tyred metro | ||
| Services | 1 | ||
| Depot(s) | Chōrakuji | ||
| History | |||
| Opened | 20 August 1994 | ||
| Technical | |||
| Line length | 18.4 km (11.4 mi) | ||
| Number of tracks | 2 | ||
| Electrification | Conductor rail, 750 V DC | ||
| |||
Hiroshima New Transit Line 1 (広島新交通1号線, Hiroshima Shin Kōtsū 1-gō-sen), also known as the Astram Line (アストラムライン, Asutoramurain), is a manually driven[1] people mover operated by Hiroshima Rapid Transit in Hiroshima, Japan. Astram opened on August 20, 1994, for the 1994 Asian Games in Hiroshima. The line connects central Hiroshima and Hiroshima Big Arch, which was the main stadium of the Asian Games.
On March 14, 2015, a new station, Shin-Hakushima, opened to create a second connection between the Astram Line and the JR lines.
History
[edit]Plans to build a new transit system linking the city centre of Hiroshima with the suburban area to the northwest were first proposed in July 1977.[2]
The third-sector railway company Hiroshima Rapid Transit was founded in 1987, funded primarily by the city of Hiroshima.[2] Groundbreaking for the rapid transit line project began on February 28, 1989, and construction would continue over a five-year period.[citation needed] However, on March 14, 1991, 14 people were killed when a girder collapsed on a section of the line's elevated viaduct near the Kamiyasu station's construction site.[3] The line opened for revenue service on August 20, 1994.[2]
When the line originally opened in 1994, it had 21 stations, of which Ōmachi provided the line's only transfer with a JR West line (the Kabe Line). On March 14, 2015, Shin-Hakushima opened as an infill station between Hakushima and Jōhoku in order to provide a transfer point with the Sanyo Main Line.
In January 2025, the line announced fare increases of up to ¥30 per ride. This is the first fare increase (except for the addition of sales tax as sales tax laws changed) in the over 30 years since the line opened in 1994. These fare increases will take effect from October 2025.[4]
Stations
[edit]| Station | Japanese | Distance (km) | Transfers | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Between stations | Total | ||||
| Hondōri | 本通 | - | 0.0 | ■ Hiroden Ujina Line (at Hondori) | Naka-ku |
| Kenchō-mae | 県庁前 | 0.3 | 0.3 | ||
| Jōhoku | 城北 | 1.1 | 1.4 | ||
| Shin-Hakushima | 新白島 | 0.3 | 1.7 | ||
| Hakushima | 白島 | 0.4 | 2.1 | ||
| Ushita | 牛田 | 0.8 | 2.9 | Higashi-ku | |
| Fudōin-mae | 不動院前 | 1.1 | 4.0 | ||
| Gion-shinbashi-kita | 祇園新橋北 | 1.0 | 5.0 | Asaminami-ku | |
| Nishihara | 西原 | 1.0 | 6.0 | ||
| Nakasuji | 中筋 | 1.0 | 7.0 | ||
| Furuichi | 古市 | 0.8 | 7.8 | ||
| Ōmachi | 大町 | 0.6 | 8.4 | B Kabe Line | |
| Bishamondai | 毘沙門台 | 1.2 | 9.6 | ||
| Yasuhigashi | 安東 | 1.0 | 10.6 | ||
| Kamiyasu | 上安 | 0.8 | 11.4 | ||
| Takatori | 高取 | 0.6 | 12.0 | ||
| Chōrakuji | 長楽寺 | 0.7 | 12.7 | ||
| Tomo | 伴 | 1.2 | 13.9 | ||
| Ōbara | 大原 | 1.0 | 14.9 | ||
| Tomo-chūō | 伴中央 | 1.1 | 16.0 | ||
| Ōzuka | 大塚 | 1.6 | 17.6 | ||
| Kōiki-kōen-mae | 広域公園前 | 0.8 | 18.4 | ||
Rolling stock
[edit]- 6000 series 6-car EMUs (23 sets)
- 7000 series 6-car EMUs (three sets with 11 sets on order)
As of 2021[update], services on the line are operated using a fleet of 23 six-car 6000 series trainsets (sets 01 to 23) and three six-car 7000 series (sets 31 to 33).[5]
The entire fleet of 24 1000 and 6000-series sets is scheduled to be replaced with a new fleet of six-car trains delivered in two batches.[6] The first of 11 new 7000 series sets was delivered in 2019.[7] The first 7000 series set was delivered in October 2019[8] and entered service in March 2020.[5] The lone 1000 series set have since been retired.[5]
6000 series
[edit]
The 6000 series trainsets (01 to 23) are formed as follows, with all cars motored.[9]
| Designation | Mc | M | M | M | M | Mc |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Numbering | 61xx | 62xx | 63xx | 64xx | 65xx | 66xx |
Priority seating is provided in each car, and wheelchair spaces are provided in the end cars.[9]
7000 series
[edit]The 7000 series trainsets (31 to 33) are formed as follows, with all cars motored.[5]
| Designation | Mc | M | M | M | M | Mc |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Numbering | 71xx | 72xx | 73xx | 74xx | 75xx | 76xx |
Priority seating is provided in each car, and wheelchair spaces are provided in the end cars.[5]
Former rolling stock
[edit]1000 series
[edit]The 1000 series trainset (24) was formed as follows, with four of the six cars motored.[9]
| Designation | Tc | M | M | M | M | Tc |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Numbering | 1124 | 1224 | 1324 | 1424 | 1524 | 1624 |
Priority seating was provided in each car, and wheelchair spaces were provided in the end cars.[9]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Schwandl, Robert (2016-04-27). "Robert Schwandl's Urban Rail Blog: JAPAN - Hiroshima Streetcars & Astram". Robert Schwandl's Urban Rail Blog. Retrieved 2025-03-29.
- ^ a b c Terada, Hirokazu (19 January 2013). データブック日本の私鉄 [Databook: Japan's Private Railways] (in Japanese). Japan: Neko Publishing. p. 166. ISBN 978-4-7770-1336-4.
- ^ "14 Killed as 40-Ton Girder Falls From Hiroshima Monorail". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. 1991-03-15. Archived from the original on August 7, 2022. Retrieved 2024-08-10.
- ^ "アストラムライン値上げへ 最大30円、10月1日から | 中国新聞デジタル". アストラムライン値上げへ 最大30円、10月1日から | 中国新聞デジタル (in Japanese). 2025-01-27. Retrieved 2025-01-27.
- ^ a b c d e 私鉄車両編成表2021 [Private Railway Vehicle Organization Table 2021] (in Japanese). Japan: Kotsu Shimbunsha. 16 July 2021. p. 181. ISBN 9784330032214.
- ^ "アストラムラインの新型車両の導入について" [Regarding the introduction of new Astram Line vehicles]. astramline.co.jp (in Japanese). 14 July 2017. Archived from the original on 6 April 2023. Retrieved 8 December 2023.
- ^ "Hiroshima rubber-tyred light metro train delivered". railwaygazette.com/metro-report. DVV Media International. 11 October 2019. Archived from the original on 11 October 2019. Retrieved 28 December 2019.
- ^ "広島高速交通,7000系を報道陣に公開" [Hiroshima Rapid Transit, 7000 series released to reporters]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 11 October 2019. Archived from the original on 7 December 2019. Retrieved 28 December 2019.
- ^ a b c d 私鉄車両編成表 2016 [Private Railway Rolling Stock Formations - 2016] (in Japanese). Japan: Kotsu Shimbunsha. 25 July 2016. p. 171. ISBN 978-4-330-70116-5.
External links
[edit]- Official website (in Japanese)
- Map of Hiroshima rail transit network
Astram Line
View on GrokipediaSystem Overview
Description and Purpose
The Astram Line is a rubber-tired automated guideway transit (AGT) system operated by Hiroshima Rapid Transit Co., Ltd. (HRT), a third-sector company established in 1987 through a public-private partnership involving the City of Hiroshima and other local entities.[6][7] Spanning 18.4 km with 22 stations, the line links central Hiroshima at Hondōri station to the northwestern suburbs at Kōiki-kōen-mae station, near the Big Arch stadium.[3][1] It was developed to alleviate road congestion in urban Hiroshima, facilitate suburban expansion in the Asa district as part of new town initiatives, and support infrastructure needs for the 1994 Asian Games, including access to the event's main venue.[7][4] The system enhances Hiroshima's transport network by integrating with JR West's Sanyō Main Line at stations like Shin-Hakushima and with Hiroden streetcar lines via compatible IC card ticketing for multimodal travel.[3][8] Daily ridership peaked at 65,612 passengers in 2019, with pre-pandemic averages around 60,000, reflecting its role in daily commuting and event access before COVID-19 disruptions; as of 2024, it has recovered to record highs over 65,000 daily.[7][9]Technical Characteristics
The Astram Line employs rubber-tired vehicles operating on a dedicated concrete guideway, providing smooth guidance and reduced friction compared to steel-wheeled systems. The guideway features a 1,700 mm gauge, wider than the standard 1,435 mm rail gauge, to improve stability during operation, particularly on curved sections and at higher speeds. The structure is built using precast concrete girders for efficient construction and durability, with the total infrastructure cost at opening amounting to approximately ¥174 billion in 1994 values.[7] Electrification is supplied via a 750 V DC third rail system, powering the vehicles for reliable performance across the route. The maximum operating speed is 70 km/h, while the average speed is 32 km/h, balancing efficiency with frequent stops at 22 stations.[10][11] The line is fully double-tracked throughout its length, incorporating elevated and underground sections to navigate urban terrain. Operation is managed through a central control system with semi-automated features (GoA 2 level), where trains are driven by onboard operators but benefit from automatic train protection and signaling for safety and efficiency.[11] As of 2025, the fleet has undergone renewal with the delivery of 24 new 7000-series trainsets by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, enhancing capacity, reliability, and energy efficiency.[2] Environmental considerations are integrated into the design, with rubber tires minimizing noise and vibration levels compared to conventional rail systems, making it suitable for residential areas. Additionally, the vehicles incorporate regenerative braking to recover energy during deceleration, enhancing overall energy efficiency.[11]Route and Infrastructure
Route Description
The Astram Line begins at Hondōri Station in central Hiroshima's Naka Ward, where it operates underground for an initial 1.9 km section through the densely developed urban core.[3] This subterranean segment facilitates seamless integration into the city's busy downtown environment, connecting key commercial and administrative hubs.[12] Emerging onto an elevated guideway, the line extends northwest for 16.5 km, traversing residential and commercial districts in Nishi Ward before reaching the suburban expanse of Asaminami Ward.[3] The route navigates flat urban plains characteristic of Hiroshima's central topography, gradually ascending into slightly hilly terrain toward the northwest outskirts.[1] Throughout its path, the line passes in proximity to significant landmarks, including the Hiroshima Peace Memorial in the initial urban stretch and various industrial zones in the mid-sections.[13] Notable integration points include interchanges at Hondōri Station with the Hiroden tram network, Shin-Hakushima Station—opened in 2015—with the JR Sanyō Main Line, and Kōiki-kōen-mae Station adjacent to the Big Arch sports complex.[3][13] The entire alignment incorporates earthquake-resistant engineering, reflecting stringent Japanese seismic standards to ensure operational resilience across its varied terrain.[1]Stations
The Astram Line serves 22 stations over its 18.4 km route, with an average spacing of approximately 0.8 km between stops.[14] The system includes four underground stations in central Hiroshima and 18 elevated stations transitioning to suburban areas. All stations are equipped with elevators and wheelchair-accessible toilets, ensuring full accessibility for passengers with disabilities.[3] Upgrades in the 2010s enhanced these features across the network, including tactile paving and designated wheelchair spaces on trains. The Hondōri terminus, located underground, benefits from climate-controlled environments for passenger comfort. Many elevated stations offer scenic views, such as those over the Motoyasu River near central segments. Facilities vary by location, with urban stations emphasizing interchanges and suburban ones providing parking and bus connections; daily ridership across the line averaged 65,683 passengers as of fiscal year 2024, with higher volumes at key interchanges like Hondōri and Shin-Hakushima.[15][16] The following table lists all stations in sequence from the Hondōri terminus, including distances, opening dates, transfers, and notable facilities.| Station Name | Distance from Hondōri (km) | Opening Date | Transfers | Key Facilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hondōri | 0.0 | 20 Aug 1994 | Hiroden Ujina and Main Lines | Elevators, accessible toilets; high footfall as central hub; no parking |
| Kenchō-mae | 0.3 | 20 Aug 1994 | Hiroden Main and Ujina Lines | Elevators, accessible toilets; urban access; no parking |
| Jōhoku | 1.4 | 20 Aug 1994 | None | Elevators, accessible toilets; residential links; no parking |
| Shin-Hakushima | 1.7 | 14 Mar 2015 | JR Sanyō Main Line | Elevators, accessible toilets, parking; key JR interchange; ~12,100 daily users |
| Hakushima | 2.1 | 20 Aug 1994 | None | Elevators, accessible toilets; views over Motoyasu River; no parking |
| Ushita | 2.9 | 20 Aug 1994 | None | Elevators, accessible toilets; local bus links; no parking |
| Fudōin-mae | 4.0 | 20 Aug 1994 | None | Elevators, accessible toilets; community access; no parking |
| Gion-shinbashi-kita | 5.0 | 20 Aug 1994 | None | Elevators, accessible toilets; elevated views; no parking |
| Nishihara | 6.0 | 20 Aug 1994 | None | Elevators, accessible toilets; suburban residential; limited parking |
| Nakasuji | 7.0 | 20 Aug 1994 | None | Elevators, accessible toilets; bus terminal nearby; limited parking |
| Furuichi | 7.8 | 20 Aug 1994 | None | Elevators, accessible toilets; local connections; no parking |
| Ōmachi | 8.4 | 20 Aug 1994 | JR Kabe Line | Elevators, accessible toilets; JR interchange; no parking |
| Bishamondai | 9.6 | 20 Aug 1994 | None | Elevators, accessible toilets; residential area; limited parking |
| Yasuhigashi | 10.6 | 20 Aug 1994 | None | Elevators, accessible toilets; suburban links; parking available |
| Kamiyasu | 11.4 | 20 Aug 1994 | None | Elevators, accessible toilets; community facilities; parking available |
| Takatori | 12.0 | 20 Aug 1994 | None | Elevators, accessible toilets; local access; parking available |
| Chōrakuji | 12.7 | 20 Aug 1994 | None | Elevators, accessible toilets; elevated structure; parking available |
| Tomo | 13.9 | 20 Aug 1994 | None | Elevators, accessible toilets; rural-suburban; parking available |
| Ōbara | 14.9 | 20 Aug 1994 | None | Elevators, accessible toilets; residential; parking available |
| Tomo-chūō | 16.0 | 20 Aug 1994 | None | Elevators, accessible toilets; central suburban hub; parking available |
| Ōzuka | 17.6 | 20 Aug 1994 | None | Elevators, accessible toilets; near venues; parking available |
| Kōiki-kōen-mae | 18.4 | 20 Aug 1994 | None; bus to sports venues | Elevators, accessible toilets, extensive parking; terminal for events |