AGT: A Resilient Urban Transit System in the Face of Heavy Rain

In recent years, extreme weather events

have disrupted urban life around the

world. In Japan, for example, torrential

rains in July 2021 caused a tragic

landslide in Atami, leaving many dead

or injured.

Just a month later, heavy rainfall in

Hiroshima shut down nearly all public

transportation, including the JR Kabe

Line, streetcars, and buses.

Amid this chaos, one system kept

running: the Astram Line, an automated

guideway transit (AGT) system

operating in Hiroshima. Despite the

adverse conditions, it maintained

operations according to schedule.

For Hiroshima residents, who still

remember the devastating floods of

2014 that claimed 77 lives and

severely damaged infrastructure, this

reliability was not just impressive—it was

deeply reassuring.

Why is AGT so resilient? One reason is

its elevated structure. Unlike buses,

which often cannot pass through

flooded underpasses, AGT lines run

above ground and avoid many

flood-prone areas.　This feature makes

AGT a highly dependable option during

heavy rains.

In Tokyo, the Nippori-Toneri Liner,

another AGT system, has stations that

serve as emergency evacuation points

for nearby residents during floods.

Cities like Bangkok, which face regular

flood threats, are adopting AGT systems

as part of their climate-resilient urban

planning.

AGT is proving to be more than just a

means of transportation; it is also a

critical piece of urban infrastructure in

the age of climate change.

Its reliability in extreme weather makes it

an attractive option for cities seeking

mobility solutions that also address

disaster preparedness.

Stay tuned for the next AGT Blog!