THE STREETCAR IS GOOD,
　　　BECAUSE IT IS (HAS)...!!

1)　ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY
Streetcar moves by electricity, so that it is much
better than cars which produce exhaust gas.
2)　EASY TO USE
You can find a streetcar station easier than a bus stop.
3)　ON TIME! NEVER TRAFFIC
Streetcar moves on a rail, so that moves swiftly
even in the traffic. It is usually on time!
4)　GENTLY TO PEOPLE
By the introduction of LRV, they have less stairs and
wide doors. they are very convenient for elderly
and handicapped people.
5) CHEAP
You can ride for flat fare of 160 yen, no matter how
long and how far you go.
6) GOOD VIEW
Seats are facing to the side, so you can enjoy the view.
7) LOCAL ATMOSPHERE
You feel that part of the old style city is kept
somehow, especially when you get in the old one.


STREETCARS

There are 51 streetcars including 3 LRV in Kagoshima. The LRV (Low Rail Vehicle) serrvice started in 2002. It is the 3rd city in Japan to introduce LRV. The oldest streetcar still running is a 1956's style. Most streetcars hold advertisements.
There are 2 unique streetcars. The "Hana-densha (flower tram)", which runs to promote the Ohara festival in November. Even though it is not decorated with flowers as its name suggests, It usually has a shiny decoration and music. The other one is the annual Summer streetcar. It is a "beer garden" streetcar. It moves along the streetcar lanes, and you can enjoy beer as much as you like enjoying the city view. It is about 3,000 yen with beer and o-bento. You need a reservation.

DRIVERS
There are 81 streetcar drivers including 5 female drivers in Kagoshima, now. To be streetcar driver, you need to pass a national examination.(Photo) Mr. Sueyoshi has been working as
streetcar driver for 21 years.
SIGNS
English signs are shown on screen at every stops, and inside streetcar (except old type trams). There are streetcars which are named with Kagoshima's sister cities. And there are announcements in their language like English announcements in Miami-go and Perth-go, and Chinese in Chosa-go.



　
　

　
　
Update Newsletter - No. 152 / May 2003-