Passenger road-rail vehicle trial trip in Shizuoka, Japan
Mainichi: January 21, 2007
FUJI, Shizuoka -- A dual mode vehicle (DMV) designed to run on both road and train tracks was trialed here in mid-January.
The dual mode vehicle runs along the tracks of the Gakunan Railway Line during a trial run in Fuji, Shizuoka Prefecture
About 200 people enjoyed a ride inside the DMV during its trial run on a 3.2 kilometer long stretch of road in Fuji and on the local Gakunan Railway Line tracks for 2.8 kilometers.
Developed by JR Hokkaido, the DMV will operate on its Senmo Line on a trial basis from April. The vehicle reportedly was cheap to build and has good fuel efficiency.
The Fuji Municipal Government in Shizuoka Prefecture is reportedly discussing the possibility of introducing the low-cost vehicle between Shin-Fuji Station on the Tokaido Shinkansen Line and Fuji Station on other lines.