AGT Lines Are Full of Steep Slopes

AGTs, which run on rubber tires, are designed to

handle gradients as steep as 60 ‰. A 60 ‰ slope

means the track rises 60 mm for every meter

traveled, while conventional railways are typically

limited to about 35 ‰.

On mainline sections, the steepest is the New Shuttle

at 59 ‰, followed by the Rokko Liner at 58 ‰. The

Port Liner, Yurikamome, and Nippori–Toneri Liner

each have gradients of 50 ‰, making steep inclines

a common feature on many AGT routes.

New Shuttle's 59 ‰ slope

Thanks to their ability to handle such slopes, AGT

lines can rise over or dive under Shinkansen tracks

and expressways, with steep gradients found in many

places.

The planned extension of the Astram Line will include

a 65 ‰ gradient. Yard connection tracks linking

elevated guideways with ground-level depots—such as

those on the Yurikamome—often feature 60 ‰ slopes.

Among them, the yard connection track of the

Nippori–Toneri Liner has a 65 ‰ grade, making it the

steepest gradient on any AGT line in Japan today.

Nippori-Toneri Liner's 65 ‰ slope

Stay tuned for the next AGT blog!