What will the final route map of newly inaugurated LRT be?
宇都宮のLRT「最終形」はどうなる？ ダイヤも路線も開業時は「仮の姿」
Both of the diagram and the route is still tentative
https://trafficnews.jp/post/127620#google_vignette
(Translation begins)
LRT started with tentative diagram without rapid service.
On August 26, 2023, Utsunomiya Haga Light Rail opened. It's been 75 years since the last time new tram line opened in Japan. And also it's the first time in Japan to newly build the Light Rail from nothing, instead of rebuilding existing rails.
The LRT is getting attention though, the route and diagram are still tentative. more evolution is scheduled.
Utsunomiya Haga Light Rail is the 14.6 km long rail line connecting east side of Utsunomiya Station and Haga Takanezawa Industry Park in front of Honda Plant across Kinu river.
Approximately 35% of the 14.6 km is the rail track dedicated for LRT. The rolling stocks are colored with yellow and black. Train type is HU300 series of articulated lower floor streetcar boasting streamlined shape.
The capacity is 160 passengers, which is the highest number in Japan.
At the moment of inauguration, total traveling time is 48 mins. All of the trains stop every station. During morning and evening rush hours(6 to 9 and 17 to 19), train is operated with 8 mins headway. Except for rush hours on weekdays and all the day on holidays, train is operated with 12 mins headway. Business hours are 4 to 24 on weekdays, while 5 to 23 on holidays.
But, it's just tentative diagram. Based on the number of passengers, there will be more trains and rapid trains. The reason why tentative diagram is used is that it will take a longer time for cash transactions.
The rail is also scheduled to be extended to west side of JR Utsunomiya Station. The 5 km section between JR Utsunomiya Station and Education Hall will be securely built. the far section between the education hall and Oya tourist area is under reviewing. Stations will be built near Futarasan Shrine, Tobu Utsunomiya Station, Sakura Dori Jyumonji, and Gokoku Shrine.
The unique point here is how tram overpasses JR Utsunomiya Station. Based on the publicized drawing, the tram line will take a round tour via north side of the station on viaduct. Near Hotel Metz, the tram line overpasses conventional JR lines and underpasses high speed rail.
It's a rare structure in terms of being pinched with high speed rail and conventional JR lines.
Utsunomiya City aims at opening the extended section in 2030s after getting permission of railway operation in 2024, beginning construction in 2026. Affairs for basic design of the track on the west extension has already been ordered. More preparations for the extension is expected.
(Translation ends)
I can't visit the light rail though, I'd like to take a closer look at it on websites or SNS.
