Kagoshima City Transportation Bureau

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Type 7000 tramcar, known as the U-tram II.
Kagoshima City Bus.
Map of Current Kagoshima City Tram Network
Current Kagoshima City Tram Map

The Kagoshima City Transportation Bureau (鹿児島市交通局, Kagoshima-shi Kōtsūkyoku) is a public transportation authority of Kagoshima City, Japan. The bureau operates trams and bus lines. From April 1, 2005, together with Nangoku Kōtsū and JR Kyūshū Bus, the bureau introduced RapiCa, a smart card ticketing system.

The bureau was founded in 1928 before acquiring control of the Kagoshima Electric Tramway (鹿児島電気軌道株式会社, Kagoshima denki kidō kabushikigaisha) for 4,963,775 yen and 78 sen in 1929.[1] The new organisation inherited 51 electric trains and 3 freight cars.[2]

Kagoshima City Tram[edit]

Kagoshima City Tram (鹿児島市電, Kagoshima Shiden) is a modern tramway and heritage tramway.[1] There are more than 10 million users annually.

History[edit]

Creation[edit]

Map of Kagoshima Transport Network in 1945
Kagoshima Transport Network in 1945

The first tram line was established in 1912.[1][2]

In 1929, the Bureau acquired control of the Kagoshima Electric Tramway (鹿児島電気軌道株式会社, Kagoshima denki kidō kabushikigaisha) for 4,963,775 yen and 78 sen, moving towards public ownership.[1][2]

World War Two[edit]

Due to air raids in 1945, only 3 out of 62 trains were left intact and operational.[2]

Postwar[edit]

The ultra-low-floor train (U-Tram) began operating on January 15, 2002. Initially, three cars were introduced, with a further three vehicles added between May 2004 and March 2005. There are currently a total of nine vehicles on the line in operation.[2]

Two articulated ultra-low-floor trains (Utram II) began operation on April 26, 2007.[2]

On March 30, 2017, two ultra-low-floor trains (Utram III) began operating.[2]

Lines and routes[edit]

Kagoshima City Tram
System Diagram
鹿児島駅前
Sakurajima sanbashidōri
桜島桟橋通り
Suizokukanguchi
水族館口
Shiyakusho-mae
市役所前
Asahidōri
朝日通り
Izurodōri
いづろ通り
Tenmonkandōri
天文館通り
Takamibaba
高見馬場
Kōtō chūgakkō-mae
甲東中学校前
Shinyashiki
新屋敷
Kajiya-chō
加治屋町
Kotsuki River
甲突川
Takamibashi
高見橋
鹿児島中央駅前
Miyakodōri
都通り
Nakasudōri
中洲通り
Shiritsubyōin-mae
市立病院前
Shinden (Kōtsūkyoku-mae)
新田(交通局前)
Toso
唐湊
Kōgakubu-mae
工学部前
Junshingakuen-mae
純心学園前
Nakagōri
中郡
Takenohashi
武之橋
Nichūdōri
二中通り
Aratahachiman
荒田八幡
Kishaba
騎射場
Kamoike
鴨池
Kōrimoto
郡元
Kōrimoto (South)
郡元(南側)
Namidabashi
涙橋
南鹿児島駅前
Nikenjaya
二軒茶屋
Usuki 1-chōme
宇宿一丁目
Wakita
脇田
Sasanuki
笹貫
Kamishioya
上塩屋
Taniyama
谷山
Route 1 (1系統): Kagoshima-Ekimae — Takamibaba — Takenohashi — Kōrimoto — Taniyama[4]
Route 2 (2系統): Kagoshima-Ekimae — Takamibaba — Kagoshima-Chūō-Ekimae — Kōrimoto[4]

Tramcars come once per five minutes generally, once per one minute in busier sections. The fare is ¥170 for all the sections.

Rolling Stock[edit]

Rolling Stock Name Alternative Name Capacity Manufacturer Number in Service Started Passenger Operation Ended Passenger Operation Image
Currently Historically
Kagoshima Type 500 Tokyo City Electricity Bureau Type 400[citation needed] 96[5] Toyo Koki[5] 1 (Flower Car) at least 5,[5] possibly 13[citation needed] 1955[5] 2019[6]
Kagoshima Type 600 N/A 96[7] Hitachi[7]

Teikoku Sharyo Kogyo[7] Naniwa Koki[7]

10[7] 16[7] 1959[7] N/A
Kagoshima Type 9700 N/A 62[8] Aruna Koki[8] 2[8] 2[8] 1997[8] N/A
Kagoshima Type 9500 Osaka City Transportation Bureau Type 2601[citation needed]

Kagoshima Type 800[9]

62[9] Naniwa Koki[9]

Aruna Koki[9]

15[9] 15[9] 1995[9] N/A
Kagoshima Type 7000 (Utram II) Little Dancer Type A5

Utram II[10]

78[10] Alna Sharyo 4[10] 4[10] 2002[10] N/A
Kagoshima Type 2100 N/A 62[11] Kyushu Railway Company (JR Kyushu)[11] 11[11] 11[11] 1989[citation needed] N/A
Kagoshima Type 1000 (Utram) Little Dancer Type A3

Utram

55[12] Alna Sharyo[citation needed] 9[12] 9[12] 2002[citation needed] N/A
Kagoshima Type 7500 Little Dancer Type X

Utram III

68 Alna Sharyo[citation needed] 4 4 2017 N/A

Modern[edit]

Current modern rolling stock includes the Little Dancer line of trams, including the Type A3, A5, and X.[13]

Historic and Cultural[edit]

There are a number of historic trams running on the network, as well as unique tourist and community outreach trams. [1]

The sightseeing retro tram, ‘Kagoden’, is a modified modern tram, changed to look like a historic Taisho Era tram.[1] It entered service in December 2012, and was introduced to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the start of streetcar operation in Kagoshima City.[14] However, in December 2021, it was announced that the service would be abolished at the end of 2021 due to slumping passenger numbers.[15] The train has since been operated as a regular service vehicle since January 4, 2022.[16]

The Kagoshima C6 Cafe Tram is a unique tram that is exclusively available for private charters. It is a refurbished vintage car built in 1960 and now features renovated interior, complete with counter tables and chairs.[1]

The 'Kagoshima Machi Meguri Promotion Project' in 2011 involved university students from Kagoshima City who designed a tram, nicknamed 'Denden'. The primary inspiration for the tram's design was the polar bear from the Kagoshima City Hirakawa Animal Park, which was then combined with the design of a black pig, a local speciality. The final design was an even split of both animals.[1]

Kagoshima City Bus[edit]

History[edit]

Establishment[edit]

The first automobile transportation lines in Kagoshima City began operating on December 31, 1929 (route length: 15.353 km, 8 vehicles). On April 8, 1930, the city government acquired "Ao Bus'' of Kagoshima Jidosha and began operating all city buses.[2]

World War Two[edit]

During WW2, the national lack of gasoline, firewood and charcoal meant steam powered vehicles appeared. During this time, the first female driver was also introduced. Due to air raids in 1945, only 3 out of 62 trains and 3 out of 45 buses remained.[2]

Postwar[edit]

On October 22nd 1960, the first one-man operation on buses started alongside modern bus rolling stock.[2]

On March 6th 1970, the 'Love' priority seat system was created. The system focused on bettering accessibly for people with physical disabilities, the elderly, and people with small children.[2]

On March 18th 1994, the tourist attraction bus (Kagoshima City View) began operating.[2]

5 Hybrid buses began operations on February 27, 2006. This marked the start of decarbonisation effort of the city fleet.[2]

On October 18, 2011, the Sakurajima Tour Bus (Sakurajima Island View) began operating.[2]

Privatisation[edit]

In 2020, some municipal bus routes (16 routes) were transferred to private operators, marking the end of 90 years of public ownership. Another 4 routes were transferred in April 2021.[2]

Lines and Routes[edit]

Official Bus Routes[17]
Line Number Route Name Starting Point (English) Starting Point (Japanese) Route Final Stop (English) Final Stop (Japanese)
1 Ishiki New Town Line City Hall 市役所前 Kansei Town - Takami Baba - (Kagoshima Chuo Station) - Shinkamibashi - Nakakusa Muta - Tamae Elementary School - Ishiki Kariya - Ishikidai Junior High School - Ishiki New Town East Transportation Bureau North Office 交通局北営業所前
3 Yuli Danchi Line Kagoshima Chuo Station 鹿児島中央駅 (Continuous operation with Line 5) ~ Kajiyamachi ~ Tenmonkan ~ Izuro ~ Aquarium Exit ~ Tatebaba ~ Kamiryuocho ~ Hie Shrine Shimo ~ Tamari Danchi East ~ Tamari Danchi Central Transportation Bureau North Office 交通局北営業所前
4 Shiroyama/Yamari Line Kagoshima Chuo Station 鹿児島中央駅 Kajiyamachi - Tenmonkan - City Hall - Prefectural Citizens Exchange Center - Kusamuta Elementary School - Kamiyatani - Tamari Danchi Chuo - (Continuous service with Line 8) Transportation Bureau North Office 交通局北営業所前
5 Hitohira Line City Hall 市役所前 (Continuous operation with Line 3) ~ Kinseicho ~ Takami Baba ~ Kagoshima Chuo Station ~ Shinkamibashi ~ Nakakusa Muta ~ Tamae Elementary School ~ Shimoishiki ~ Hitodaira Housing Entrance ~ Wakabacho West Transportation Bureau North Office 交通局北営業所前
5-3 Hitohira Line (via Tamari Danchi Kita, Satsuma Danchi, Shiroyama Danchi) City Hall 市役所前 Kanao Town - Takami Baba - Shinkamibashi - Nakakusamuta - Kusamuta Elementary School - Technical High School - Tamae Elementary School - Shimoishiki - Entrance of Hitodaira Housing - Entrance of Satsuma Danchi - Tamasato Danchi North - Wakaba Town West North Office 北営業所前
8 Nishitamali Danchi Line City Hall 市役所前 City Hall - Tenmonkan - Kagoshima Chuo Station - Nakakusa Muta to Girls' High School - Tamari Danchi Chuo (continuous service with Line 4) Transportation Bureau North Office 交通局北営業所前
8-2 Nishi Tamari Danchi Line (departing from Kagoshima Chuo Station) Kagoshima Chuo Station 鹿児島中央駅 Shinkamibashi - Nakakusa Muta - Ishiki Junior High School - Girls' High School - Tamari Danchi Chuo Transportation Bureau North Office 交通局北営業所前
10 Komaibashi Line Kamoike Port 鴨池港 Prefectural office - cavalry range - the Shikadai Main Gate - Koma Bridge - Chuo High School - Shinkami Bridge - Nakakusamuta - Tamae Bridge Elderly Welfare Center Ishiki 高齢者福祉センター伊敷
11 Kamoike/Reisui Line Kamoike Port 鴨池港 the baseball stadium - Sanwa Central - Prefectural Office West - the municipal pool - Horse shooting range - the Kadai main gate - Kagoshima Chuo Station - Tenmonkan - Tatebaba - Under Nagata Shrine - Shiroyama Danchi Central - the girls' high school Elderly Welfare Center Ishiki 高齢者福祉センター伊敷
11-2 Kamoike/Reisui Line (Sakaemachi) Kamoike Port 鴨池港 the baseball stadium - Sanwa Central - Prefectural Office West - the municipal pool - Horse shooting range - the Kadai main gate - Kagoshima Chuo Station - Tenmonkan - the City Hall - Sakaemachi Sakaemachi 栄町
12 Coastline Sakaemachi 栄町 Kagoshima Station - City Hall - Kanseicho - Daimon Exit - Kiyotaki Street - Faculty of Fisheries - Masago Nursery School - Prefectural office - Kamoike Shinmachi - Sanwa Chuo Sanwa town 三和町
14 Taniyama Line Taniyama Tram Stop 谷山電停 Taniyama Station (inside Premises) - Taniyama Branch Street - Omido - Jigenji Park - Kagoshima Kindergarten - Jigenji Danchi West Jigenji Housing Complex 慈眼寺団地
16 Kamoike Port/Culture Hall Line Aquarium 水族館前 City Hall - Tenmonkan - Kagoshima Chuo Station - Nichudori - Yojiro 1-chome - Civic Culture Hall - Prefectural office - Kamoike Shinmachi - Ryokuchi Koen Kamoike Port 鴨池港
17 Ujuku Line Wakita Tram Stop 脇田電停前 Ujuku Elementary School - Sako Kajiwara - Nabegauto - Yasu Danchi - Koyodai Danchi - Yasu Danchi (Shimohiroki) Koyodai Danchi/Hiroki Agricultural Cooperative 向陽台団地・広木農協前
18 University Hospital Line Wakita Tram Stop 脇田電停前 Ujuku Elementary School - Kamegahara - Sakuragaoka South - the shopping center - Sakuragaoka North Exit - Sakuragaoka Central Park - Sakuragaoka Higashi Elementary School - Kamegahara - Ujuku Elementary School Wakita Tram Stop 脇田電停前
20 Midorigaoka/Kamoike Port Line Kamoike Port 鴨池港 Prefectural office - cavalry range - the Shikadai Main Gate - Kagoshima Chuo Station - Shinkamibashi - Nakakusa Muta - Tamae Elementary School - Shimo-Ishiki - Ishiki Wakita - Ishiki Danchi Chuo - Midorigaoka Danchi Chuo Midorigaoka Danchi 緑ヶ丘団地
24 Ishiki Line Aquarium 水族館前 City Hall - Tenmonkan - (Kagoshima Chuo Station) - Sengoku Baba - Nakakusa Muta - Ishiki Junior High School - Shimo-Ishiki - Ishiki Wakita - Ishiki Danchi Chuo - Midorigaoka Danchi Chuo Midorigaoka Danchi 緑ヶ丘団地
24-2 Ishiki Line (via Nishi-Ishiki 4-chome) City Hall 市役所前 Kansei Town - Takami Baba - Shinkamibashi - Nakakusa Muta - Tamae Elementary School - Shimo-Ishiki - Ishiki Wakita - Nishi-Ishiki Elementary School Entrance - Nishi-Ishiki 4-chome - Nishi-Ishiki 7-chome East Ishiki Housing Complex 伊敷団地
27 Prefectural Office/Yojiro Line Kagoshima Chuo Station 鹿児島中央駅 Kyoken Koen - Kamiarata Town - Shimoarata 4-chome - Yojirogahama - Prefectural office - Kyushu Electric Power Co. Kenkoen Kagoshima Chuo Station 鹿児島中央駅
28 Ishiki/Kamoike Port Line Kamoike Port 鴨池港 Prefectural office - cavalry range - Shinyashiki - Sengoku Baba - Kusamuta - Ishiki Junior High School - Shimo-Ishiki - Ishiki Wakita - Nishi-Ishiki 3-chome - Nishi-Ishiki 6-chome Ishiki Housing Complex 伊敷団地
29 Ishiki New Town/Kamoike Port Line Kamoike Port 鴨池港 Prefectural office - cavalry range - Shinyashiki - Kajiyamachi - Shinshoin - Gokoku Shrine - Shimo-Ishiki - Ishiki New Town West Entrance - Ishiki New Town - Ishiki New Town East Entrance Transportation Bureau North Office 交通局北営業所前
31 Tamari/Sanwacho Line Sanwa town 三和町 Sanwa Central - Prefectural office - the Nisseki - Tempozan - Nanrinji Temple - Izuro - Aquarium Exit - Tatebaba - Kamiryuo Town - Hie Shrine Lower - Tamari Danchi East - Tamari Danchi North Exit Transportation Bureau North Office 交通局北営業所前
32 Shiroyama/Sanwacho Line Sanwa town 三和町 Sanwa Central - Honmachi Park -Japan Red Cross Red Cross - Tempozan - Nanrinji Temple - Izuro - Prefectural Community Center - Kusamuta Elementary School - Kamiyadani - Tamari Welfare Center Elderly Welfare Center Ishiki 高齢者福祉センター伊敷
51 Satsuma Danchi Line Kagoshima Chuo Station 鹿児島中央駅 Kajiyamachi ~ Izuro ~ Prefectural Community Center ~ Reisui Pass ~ Tamari Community Center ~ Tamari Danchi East ~ Tamari Danchi Welfare Center Bottom ~ Hitodaira Housing ~ Satsuma Danchi ~ Ishiki New Town Tamaridai Ishiki New Town Chuo 伊敷ニュータウン中央
60 Sakurajima Line (Sakurajima Hospital) Sakurajima Hospital 桜島病院 Sakurajima Port - Hosaki - Akabuhara - Okubo - Hamadaira - the Sakurajima Chamber of Commerce and Industry - Matsuura - Hot Spring Center - Higashi Shirahama Higashi Shirahama 東白浜
Sakurajima Line (Welfare Center) Welfare Center 福祉センター Sakurajima Port - Hosaki - Akabuhara - Okubo - Hamadaira - the Sakurajima Chamber of Commerce and Industry - Matsuura - Hot Spring Center - Higashi Shirahama Higashi Shirahama 東白浜
Sakurajima Line (Sakurajimaen) Sakurajimaen 桜島苑 Sakurajima Port - Hosaki - Akabuhara - Okubo - Hamadaira - Sakurajima Chamber of Commerce and Industry - Matsuura - Hot Spring Center - Higashi Shirahama (~ Okudaira - Takamen Elementary School - Kurokami Elementary School) Higashi Shirahama (Shioyagamoto) 東白浜(塩屋ヶ元)
70 Sakurajima Alternative Line Higashi Shirahama 東白浜 Okudaira - Takamen Elementary School - Nishizonoyama - Nishiuranomae - Kurokami Elementary School - Shioyagamoto Kurokamiguchi 黒神口
- Kagoshima City View Kagoshima Chuo Station 鹿児島中央駅 Meiji Restoration Furusatokan - Astronomical Museum - Shiroyama - Saigo Nanshu Memorial Museum - Sengonen - Kagoshima Station (Kanmachia) - Sakurajima Pier - Water Front Park - Astronomical Museum Kagoshima Chuo Station 鹿児島中央駅
- Kagoshima City View (Night view course) Kagoshima Chuo Station 鹿児島中央駅 Astronomical Museum - Waterfront Park - Minato Odori Park - Shiroyama - Saigo Statue - Astronomical Museum Kagoshima Chuo Station 鹿児島中央駅

Rolling Stock[edit]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h "Factory Tour! Enjoy Kagoshima City Tram: Loved by the City for 100 years". THE GATE. 2023-04-08. Retrieved 2024-02-21.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o "鹿児島市交通局について|鹿児島市交通局|人に環境にやさしい市電・市バス シティビュー サクラジマアイランドビュー". 鹿児島市交通局 (in Japanese). 2012-10-22. Retrieved 2024-02-21.
  3. ^ a b c d "Kagoshima Trams Lines & Schedules | Japan Experience". www.japan-experience.com. Retrieved 2024-02-21.
  4. ^ a b "Kagoshima City Tram Routes|鹿児島市交通局|人に環境にやさしい市電・市バス シティビュー サクラジマアイランドビュー". 鹿児島市交通局. 2023-08-21. Retrieved 2024-02-21.
  5. ^ a b c d "500 Series". Kagoshima City Transportation Bureau. Archived from the original on 2017-09-08. Retrieved 2024-02-21.
  6. ^ "Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2024-02-21.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g "600 Series". Kagoshima City Transportation Bureau. Archived from the original on 2017-06-16. Retrieved 2024-02-21.
  8. ^ a b c d e "9700 Series". Archived from the original on 2017-06-12. Retrieved 2024-02-21.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g "9500 Series". Archived from the original on 2017-06-16. Retrieved 2024-02-21.
  10. ^ a b c d e "7000 Series". Archived from the original on 2017-06-16. Retrieved 2024-02-21.
  11. ^ a b c d "2100 Series". Archived from the original on 2017-06-16. Retrieved 2024-02-21.
  12. ^ a b c "1000 Series". Archived from the original on 2017-06-16. Retrieved 2024-02-21.
  13. ^ "Onboard battery tram tested in Kagoshima". The International Light Rail Magazine. 2015-05-06. Retrieved 2024-02-21.
  14. ^ "鹿児島市民のひろば 543号" (PDF). kagoshima-hiroba.jp (in Japanese). Kagoshima City Public Relations Digital Archive. Retrieved 2013-02-18.
  15. ^ "定期観光バス及び観光電車の廃止について". Kagoshima City Transportation Bureau. 2021-12-17. Retrieved 2023-08-28.
  16. ^ @kago_city_ko2 (January 3, 2022). "公式YouTubeチャンネルからのお知らせ" (Tweet). Retrieved 2023-08-28 – via Twitter.
  17. ^ "電車・バスのご利用方法|鹿児島市交通局|人に環境にやさしい市電・市バス シティビュー サクラジマアイランドビュー". 鹿児島市交通局 (in Japanese). 2012-10-23. Retrieved 2024-02-21.

External links[edit]