Master of Tight Turns: How AGT Design Philosophy Protects the Cityscape

Shared Strengths, Different Roles 

Both the Sapporo Subway and

Automated Guideway Transit (AGT)

share a common strength: using

rubber tires to navigate steep slopes

smoothly, a feat difficult for

conventional steel-wheeled railways.

However, a closer look at their

undercarriage reveals a surprising

structural difference that defines their

distinct roles in the city.

The Power of Axles The decisive

difference lies in the number of axles

supporting the wheels. The Sapporo

Subway uses a "2-axle bogie structure

" (four axles per car), similar to

traditional trains, providing heavy-duty

stability for mass transit.

In contrast, AGT is fundamentally built

on a "1-axle structure" (two axles per

car). Furthermore, the latest AGT

models, such as the Yurikamome 7300

series, have evolved to use a "new-

style bogie truck" that turns the entire

unit based on input from the guide

wheels. This new technology simplifies

the steering mechanism to improve

reliability while allowing for wider car

bodies and increased transport

capacity.

Saving the City through

Maneuverability Why does AGT

prioritize a 1-axle structure or complex

bogie mechanisms despite stricter load

limits per tire? The answer lies in its

exceptional maneuverability: a

minimum turning radius of 30 meters

(approx. 98 feet) or less.

This agility allows elevated tracks to

make 90-degree turns directly above

intersections, fitting perfectly within

existing road widths. Such sharp

curves are nearly impossible for 2-axle

subways, but AGT handles them with

ease. This means new "urban

bloodstreams" can be created without

demolishing surrounding buildings or

asking residents to relocate, preserving

the existing shape of the

neighborhood.

Maximizing Urban Space By effectively

utilizing the unused space above

existing roads, AGT is designed to

weave through the gaps of a city. This

pursuit of "turning performance" by

Japanese engineers has resulted in a

significant social value: protecting the

town and the lives of its people.

Stay tuned for the next AGT Blog!