Hankyu’s new model trains preserve tradition – Seat reservation will start on Kyoto Line

Inheriting “maroon car body” & “olive-colored seats” The universal style of Hankyu Railway with the maroon car body, wood-grain decorative panels, and golden-olive-colored seats won the Good Design Long Life Design Award in 2022. It has been recognized as an entity that shapes the image of areas along the railway line throughout the ages. The development concept of the 2300 series and 2000 series is “a new Hankyu style that is safe, comfortable, and environmentally friendly,” which are the first model-changed vehicles in 11 years since 2013. While inheriting the image of the traditional Hankyu Railway, barrier-free facilities, safety, and energy-saving performance will be refined to a level that is…

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Japan’s first native LRT “LIGHTLINE” launches – Entrusted the growth of Utsunomiya City

A newly opened LRT (Light Rail Transit), Utsunomiya Haga Light Rail Line (commonly known as the “Light Line”) is operated by Utsunomiya Light Rail (Headquarters: Utsunomiya City, Tochigi), and they published the timetables and fares after the start of commercial operation.

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New model “SHINANO” promises comfortable – Next-generation “tilting train” coming up

In anticipation of the replacement of the limited express “SHINANO” that connects Nagoya Station and Nagano Station, JR Central aims to further improve ride comfort by introducing a new model “385 series” EMU using next-generation tilting control technology.

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US’ first autonomous metro opened in Hawaii – Planned to reach Int’l Airport in 2 years

Construction of the first full-fledged urban railway “Skyline” in Hawaii, USA has been proceeding in Honolulu on O’ahu, and on June 30, 2023 (Fri), commercial train operation began on the first section.

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Seats and toilets will be renewed like a new car – JR Shikoku’s 30-year-old express EMU

JR Shikoku has begun refurbishing the 8000 series limited express trains operated by the Yosan Line limited express trains “Shiokaze” and “Ishizuchi”, and will implement changes such as design and seat renewal, enhancing barrier-free access, and westernization of toilets.

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Feel Nikko at the cafe inside Tobu “SPACIA X” – Beer and coffee made by local craftmen

Tobu Railway has decided on the name, detailed products and sales method of the new cafe counter that will open in Car 1 of the new Limited Express “SPACIA X”, which will start operating on July 15, 2023 (Sat).

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The first new tram route in 75 years in Japan – Utsunomiya LRT will launch in August 26

Utsunomiya City and Haga Town in Tochigi Prefecture held a joint press conference with Utsunomiya Light Rail Co.,Ltd. (headquarters: Utsunomiya City), which is in charge of Haga-Utsunomiya LRT operation, and announced officially that the start date of the LRT “LIGHTLINE” service is August 26, 2023 (Sat).

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Thai first monorail “MRT Yellow Line” launches – 30km connecting suburbs of Bangkok

Eastern Bangkok Monorail Company (EBM, Thailand) started the free fare trial runs from June 3, 2023 (Sat) on a part of section of the monorail “MRT Yellow Line” that has been developed in the eastern suburbs of Bangkok.

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Hybrid “HIDA” won the train of the year in Japan – Blue Ribbon Award chosen by railfans

The 2023 Blue Ribbon Award and Laurel Award, which are awarded to excellent railway vehicles by the railway enthusiast group “Japan Railfan Club (JRC)”, selected JR Central’s hybrid express train and Kyoto City’s new subway train.

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