AGTs Aren’t Just Elevated or Underground — Ground-Level Systems Offer a Smart Alternative

While elevated guideways are common

for AGT (Automated Guideway Transit)

systems, some lines—like Hiroshima’s

Astram Line—include underground

sections as well. In fact, although most

AGTs in Japan are built on elevated or

underground structures, there are also

examples of AGTs that run entirely at

ground level.

A prime example is the Leo Liner

(Seibu Yamaguchi Line), operated by

Seibu Railway. This 2.8-kilometer line

runs on a gentle slope entirely at

ground level, connecting Tamako

Station (on the Seibu Tamako Line)

with Seibu-Kyūjō-mae Station (on the

Seibu Sayama Line). Despite its short

length, it plays a vital role in transporting

crowds smoothly, especially on days

when baseball games or events are

held at Seibu Stadium.

Ground-level AGTs are not unique to

Japan. In the suburbs of Paris, France,

the AGT that connects Orly Airport with

nearby suburban rail stations runs

straight across open green fields,

offering passengers a refreshing and

scenic ride while serving as an

essential airport link.

One of the biggest advantages of

ground-level AGTs is cost. Compared

to elevated or underground systems,

they can be built at significantly lower

construction costs. This makes them an

attractive option for regional cities and

areas around airports—places that have

long lacked adequate public

transportation. For instance, installing a

ground-level AGT like the one at Orly

could greatly improve accessibility at

local airports currently served only by

buses, reducing travel time and

increasing reliability for users.

Not elevated, not underground—ground

-level AGTs offer a quiet, efficient, and

smart mobility solution that may

become a key to improving

transportation in underserved areas.

Stay tuned for the next edition of our

AGT blog!