Astram
Astram is an automated, track-guided mass transit system in the Japanese city of Hiroshima . The name Astram is a combination of the Japanese word asa (morning) and the English tram .
The Astram Line is 18.4 km long, 1.6 km (3 stops) of which run underground in the city center, the rest on stilts. The terminals are Hondori (本 通 り) and Koiki-Koen-mae (広 域 公園 前). It takes 37 minutes to reach the 22 stops. It is operated by Hiroshima Rapid Transit Co. Ltd.
Technically, it is a track-guided track on rubber tires, which are supplied with 750 V direct current from pantographs attached to the side . The trains have 6 wagons. Similar systems have been built in several other cities in Japan.
Further expansion
An extension is planned, this runs from Koiki-Koen-mae in the Asa district in a southerly direction. The first construction phase is 6.2 km long, the second, which will connect the Astram with the main station , 5.4 km. This runs underground along Peace Avenue. Another underground extension of 1.4 km along Hondori Street to the former University of Hiroshima is to be built in the future.
Web links
- Official Site (Japanese)
- urbanrail.net (english)