Search results

Monorails and AGTs have a lot in common in terms of their appearance and rubber-tyred structures, and many people probably feel that they are the same vehicle. In fact, in some foreign countries, AGTs are called monorails. For example, you may have thought, "Is that a monorail? " You may have seen children exclaim, "It's a monorail!" because it looks and moves like a monorail. Monorails have a long history. The Wuppertal Monorail in Germany, which opened in 1901, is still in operation today. Monorails have been adopted around the world as a means of efficiently using limited space in cities. Photo: Jerome Cid/Dreamstime On the other hand, the AGT, which was introduced in the 1970s, has features that take advantage of advanced technology that came later. For example, it can make a 90-degree turn at an intersection, allowing it to be deployed in areas with dense buildings. In addition, AGT has been designed on the premise of automated operation since its inception, and is even attracting attention as a system that meets modern needs such as ensuring safety and reducing operating costs. In my blog, we would like to introduce the strengths of AGT and how it differs from monorails. We will show how AGT supports our way of life and opens up new possibilities. Stay tuned for the next AGT blog!

When people think of automated guideway transit (AGT) systems, they typically think of fully driverless operations. Indeed, most AGT systems worldwide are known for their automatic, unmanned service—a hallmark of modern urban transit. However, Japan presents an intriguing exception. Despite being a technology-forward nation and an early adopter of driverless AGT systems, such as the Port Liner in Kobe and the New Tram in Osaka, Japan is also home to four AGT lines that are manually operated by human drivers: the Yūkarigaoka Line, the New Shuttle, the Leo Liner, and the Astram Line This is rare, even on a global scale. So why does a country known for precision automation still run some of its AGTs with drivers? The answer lies in a mix of safety concerns, infrastructure design, and cost management. For example, the Astram Line in Hiroshima runs partially underground. In the event of a fire or other emergency, it is crucial to have trained personnel on board to guide passengers to safety, which is a key reason the Astram Line opted for crewed operations. In contrast, the other three lines— Yūkarigaoka, New Shuttle, and Leo Liner—were designed on tight budgets. Rather than investing in the expensive signaling systems required for full automation, the operators chose a simpler approach: keeping the vehicles crewed while using the same guided track infrastructure. It’s important to note that these manually operated AGTs are highly safe. Each is equipped with modern train protection systems, such as ATS or ATC, which ensure operational safety comparable to that of driverless counterparts. As Japan and many other countries face growing challenges in recruiting enough train drivers, these lines may gradually transition to full automation.

If you're a fan of trains and urban transportation, you may have come across the term "AGT," short for "Automated Guideway Transit." At first glance, it might look like a monorail. In fact, I've even heard people call it that. However, while they may appear similar, AGTs and monorails are fundamentally different. Let me share a moment that sparked this blog. One day, while riding the Yurikamome— a well-known AGT line in Tokyo—I overheard a mother tell her child, "This is a straddle-type monorail." I didn't blame her. The Yurikamome is sleek, elevated, and rubber-tired, just like many monorails around the world. Technically, though, it’s not a monorail. So, what's the difference? A straddle-beam monorail, like the Tokyo Monorail, runs on a single, narrow concrete beam (around 80 cm wide), which the train straddles. In contrast, an AGT runs on a flat guideway similar in appearance to a highway lane, with the vehicle guided by side rails. This difference isn’ t just technical; it also affects safety. In an emergency, passengers on an AGT can evacuate on foot along the guideway. That’s not possible with a monorail because the narrow beam makes evacuation far more complex. In Japan, where AGTs have become a familiar part of urban transit, these distinctions often go unnoticed. The mother's comment made me wonder how many other people are unaware of what makes AGTs unique. It was that moment that led me to start this blog, where I share stories and insights about AGTs and their role in modern transportation. Have you ever ridden an AGT or confused it with a monorail? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences! Let's explore the world of AGTs together! Stay tuned for the next AGT blog!!

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!

What is the driver's seat for in an AGT Have you ever asked yourself this question when riding in an unmanned AGT? Why is there a driver's seat?” It is normal that foreign AGTs do not have a driver's seat. Then, why do Japanese AGTs have a driver's seat? In the automobile world, automated driving has attracted attention, and AGTs have achieved automated driving for 40 years. The secret is a dedicated track. It is an environment where neither cars nor people can enter the track, which is why automation was possible from the beginning. Currently, there are 10 AGT lines in Japan, of which the following 6 lines are fully automated.  Port Liner,  New Tram,  Seaside Line,  Rokko Liner,  Yurikamome,  Nippori-Toneri Liner The driver's seat is located at the front of the train on all lines, and is usually covered by the driver's control panel, allowing passengers to sit back and enjoy the scenery. This is a special experience that cannot be had on any other train. So, why do we need a driver's seat on an unmanned train? First, in the event of a malfunction in the automatic operating system, an attendant will board the train to operate it manually. It is also used for driving in the manual operation section of the depot. In addition, Japanese AGTs have a special custom.　 That is, the driver has to drive manually once a month. This is a training to maintain a sense of driving, but this is a uniquely Japanese style that is not found in overseas AGTs. Sitting in the front seat of an AGT, you can enjoy the dynamic scenery while feeling like you are the driver. Next time you ride an AGT, please try to sit in the front seat. There you will find a special place where the future of full automation and Japan's unique attention to detail come together. Stay tuned for my next blog!

No other country comes close to Japan when it comes to automated guideway transit (AGT) systems. Since launching the Port Liner in Kobe in 1981 — recognized as the world's first fully automated urban transit line — Japan has steadily expanded its AGT network. Today, ten AGT lines operate across the country, serving an impressive 580,000 passengers daily (*). These lines stretch from north to south and include: Six of these systems is driverless, rubber-tired and fully automated and four is manned system, and is designed to relieve traffic congestion and reduce environmental impact in busy urban areas. For comparison, France, which has the second-highest number of AGT lines, has six systems in cities such as Lille, Toulouse, and Rennes. These systems carry around 300,000 passengers daily. Japan is the global leader in AGT deployment, with the most AGT lines and the highest ridership. Japan's success showcases how this efficient, clean, and space-saving mode of transportation can play a vital role in urban mobility. As cities around the world grapple with congestion and carbon emissions, Japan’s AGT systems offer a compelling model for the future of urban transportation. Please stay tuned for the next AGT blog! (*) Statistics for 2019