It was revealed that Osaka Prefecture Government plans to revive streetcar lines in the central area of Osaka City. The government aims at improvement of convenience of customers and tourists by running LRT between Osaka-Abenobashi station and Nankai-Namba station. After consulting with Osaka City Government, the plan will be added to the outlines called "GRAND DESIGN OSAKA", which is a revised plan of urban structure scheduled to form by the end of March. The government accepts enterprises for the operator, and hopes to begin operation in 2015, which is the 400th anniversary of completion of Doutonbori canal. If the plan were is realized as planned, it will be the first in 46 years.
First opening of streetcars in Osaka was in 1903. In the most prosperous era, the network of streetcar lines crossed Osaka City in every direction. But, with the extension of Osaka Municipal Subway, all the streetcar lines were abolished by March, 1969. Now, remaining section of streetcar lines are only parts of Uemachi Line and Hankai Line. According to the plan proposed by the prefecture government, the line goes north on the west side of JR Tennoji station, and goes across Tennoji Park for north west bound.
After passing the north side of Tsutenkaku Tower, the line goes north of Nipponbashi and reaches Namba.
Citation: http://mainichi.jp/norimai/train/trainflash/news/20120228ddf001010012000c.html
If the plan is completed including the connection with Hankai Line, I will be agree with it.
