Utsunomiya Light Rail HU300 series “Lightline”
The ‘Utsunomiya-Haga Light Rail Line’ began operations on August 26, 2023, marking a significant development in the collaboration between Utsunomiya City and Haga Town in Tochigi Prefecture, run by Utsunomiya Light Rail Co., Ltd, a ‘Third Sector’ corporation.
In Japan, a third-sector corporation is a legal entity in which the Japanese Government or a local government or public body (the first sector) carries out the business of a highly public and charitable nature as an independent business entity, jointly funded by the private sector (the second sector). Most are intermediate forms of semi-governmental and semi-private organisations that take the form of joint-stock companies and incorporated associations, which are relatively easy to establish.
Utsunomiya City is the principal shareholder with 40% of the shares, with private bus operator Kanto Transportation, Inc. as the largest private sector shareholder. Smaller shareholders are Haga Town Council, banks based in the region, the major private rail company Tobu Railways and the chambers of commerce in Utsunomiya and Haga.
In the weeks after the inauguration, the Utsunomiya Station East Exit platform has been crowded with people eagerly awaiting the Light Line, indicating a genuine demand across various demographics. Haga Town, with a population of around 15,000, is traditionally recognised for its rice production, pear and strawberry cultivation, and an industrial district hosting about 100 automotive companies. The Utsunomiya Light Rail, a 14.6-kilometre system with 19 stations, including the terminal station ‘Haga-Takanesawa Industrial Park,’ is a collaborative effort that began 30 years ago to alleviate traffic congestion in the eastern industrial district of Utsunomiya.
Initially not part of the plan, Haga Town became pivotal in 2013, leading to a collaboration to extend the line to its adjacent industrial park. Despite the remote location from the town centre, residents seem supportive, possibly because Haga Town lacked a railway connection, making the Light Rail a dream come true for the community.
The Town’s ambitions extend beyond the satisfaction of the inauguration, envisioning tourism using the Light Rail and connecting to buses for town exploration. However, challenges arise, such as the need for effective promotion and addressing delays to ensure timely operation.
The journey continues with a bus ride through scenic rice fields to reach the Michi-no-Eki, highlighting the importance of local transportation. The Michi-no-Eki staff expresses uncertainty about increased visitors using the Light Rail, emphasising the need for future promotion. Haga Town’s Mayor Oozeki suggests exploring ideas like visiting neighbouring attractions, like the Moka Railway.
As the attention shifts to the future of Haga Town, now connected by rail, the opportunities and challenges become apparent. As of January 2022, several cities in Japan have tram and light rail systems. Here are some examples:
Tokyo:
Tokyo has the Toden Arakawa Line, a historic tram line running through northern parts of the city.
Osaka:
Osaka has the Hankai Tramway, which operates two tram lines: the Uemachi Line and the Hankai Line.
Hiroshima:
Hiroshima has the Hiroshima Electric Railway, commonly known as the Hiroden. It includes various tram lines that operate within the city.
Nagasaki:
Nagasaki Electric Tramway has served the city of Nagasaki since 1917 and is the only tramway operator in Japan that has not lost any of its original lines
Sapporo:
Sapporo has the Sapporo Streetcar, which operates multiple tram lines in the city.
Toyama:
Toyama has the Toyama Light Rail, a modern light rail system introduced to enhance local transportation.
Kumamoto:
Kumamoto has the Kumamoto City Tram operated by Kumamoto Electric Railway.
Matsuyama:
Matsuyama in Shikoku has a tram network known as the Iyo Railway Matsuyama City Line.
Okayama:
Okayama operates the Okayama Electric Tramway, serving several routes in the city.
These tram and light rail systems are crucial for local transportation, providing residents and visitors with convenient options for commuting within cities. These trams often offer a more relaxed and scenic way to explore urban areas while reducing traffic congestion.
Top photo: By MaedaAkihiko – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=136462154
