A Typical AGT Route Pattern, Part 1: The Branch Line

Have you ever wondered where

automated guideway transit (AGT)

systems are typically used?　In fact,

AGT routes in Japan generally fall into

three broad patterns, based on their

purpose and function.　

In this blog, we’ll take a closer look

at the first type: the branch line.

This type of AGT route connects a

major railway station—whether operated

by JR or a private railway company—to

destinations such as airports,

residential suburbs, or newly developed

urban areas.

For example, Japan’s very first AGT

line, the Port Liner in Kobe, opened in

1981. It runs from Sannomiya Station

to Port Island, covering 8.2 kilometers

with 12 stations. Around 80,000

people use it every day, and it also

serves as an airport access line.

Next came the New Shuttle in Saitama

Prefecture. Starting from Omiya Station,

this line stretches 12.7 kilometers with

13 stations and serves approximately

52,000 daily riders, primarily

commuters from residential areas.

Still in Kobe, the Rokko Liner connects

Sumiyoshi Station to Rokko Island.

Though just 4.5 kilometers long with 6

stations, it handles about 35,000

passengers daily, many of them

commuters and students.

In Hiroshima, the Astram Line connects

central Hondori Station to suburban

neighborhoods. With a total length of

18.4 kilometers and 22 stations, it’s

one of the longest AGT lines in Japan,

used by around 66,000 people each

day.

And in Tokyo, the Nippori–Toneri Liner

 links Nippori Station to the Toneri area.

It has become a vital commuter route,

with roughly 91,000 daily users.　

Many of these AGT lines run at high

frequencies during peak hours—every

two minutes in some cases—showcasing

AGT’s strength as a high-frequency,

medium-capacity transit solution.

In this way, branch-type AGT lines play

the role of transporting people from

major stations to areas beyond.

They are especially important for

commuting to and from places that

conventional railways alone cannot fully

serve.

By observing how AGT systems weave

through the gaps in urban spaces, one

may catch a glimpse of the fascinating

interplay between city planning and

transportation design.

Stay tuned for the next AGT Blog!