Linimo
Linimo, formally known as the Tōbu Kyūryō Line, is an 8.9-kilometer magnetic levitation (maglev) train line in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, connecting Fujigaoka Station in Nagoya to Yakusa Station in Toyota via nine stations.[1] Operated by Aichi Rapid Transit Co., Ltd., it employs normal conducting electromagnets for levitation and linear induction motors for propulsion, allowing the three-car unmanned trains to float 8 millimeters above the guideway and reach a maximum speed of 100 km/h over a journey time of approximately 17 minutes.[1] Launched on March 6, 2005, as Japan's first commercially operated maglev system, Linimo was constructed to support the Expo 2005 Aichi and has since become a vital daily commuter route serving universities, research facilities, and residential areas while promoting eco-friendly transportation by reducing reliance on automobiles.[1][2] The line's innovative technology enables a remarkably quiet and vibration-free ride, with acceleration 1.5 times faster than conventional bullet trains and the ability to navigate steep gradients up to 6% and tight curves with a minimum radius of 75 meters, thanks to its modular "centipede-like" car design featuring air springs and hydraulic brakes.[3] During the 2005 Expo, Linimo functioned as a "moving pavilion," transporting around 20 million passengers and showcasing sustainable urban mobility.[4] Today, it operates with trains departing every 8 minutes during peak hours, integrating with Nagoya's subway and regional rail networks to facilitate access to attractions like the Aichi Commemorative Park, Toyota Automobile Museum, and Ghibli Park, while emphasizing low-carbon "Eco-Mobility Life" principles.[2]Overview and Route
Description and Operations
Linimo, formally known as the Aichi Rapid Transit Tobu Kyuryo Line, is an 8.9 km elevated magnetic levitation (maglev) railway that connects Fujigaoka Station in Nagoya City, through Nagakute City, to Yakusa Station in Toyota City, all within Aichi Prefecture, Japan.[1] The line facilitates efficient urban transit across these areas, providing a direct link between eastern Nagoya suburbs and the northern outskirts toward Toyota. It opened in 2005 to support Expo 2005 Aichi and continues to serve as a vital component of the region's public transportation network.[1] Owned and operated by Aichi Rapid Transit Co., Ltd., Linimo represents the world's first uncrewed commercial urban maglev system, employing High Speed Surface Transport (HSST) technology for fully automated operations without onboard crew.[5][6] This innovative setup allows for seamless, driverless service, enhancing reliability and reducing operational costs in an urban environment. The system integrates with the broader transit network, notably connecting at Fujigaoka Station to the Nagoya Municipal Subway Higashiyama Line for easy transfers to central Nagoya.[1] Linimo operates daily from approximately 5:30 a.m. to midnight, with trains running every 6 minutes during peak hours to accommodate commuter demand.[7] Fares are distance-based, ranging from 170 to 380 yen for adults, making it an affordable option for local travel.[8] As of 2019, the line had an average daily ridership of approximately 25,000 passengers, increasing further with the 2022 opening of Ghibli Park and reflecting enhanced usage for both daily commutes and regional connections to attractions like the Aichi Commemorative Park.[9][10]Stations
The Linimo line features nine stations spanning 8.9 km between Fujigaoka in Nagoya and Yakusa in Toyota, providing key access points to residential areas, parks, cultural sites, and industrial zones in eastern Aichi Prefecture.[1] Each station is designed for seamless integration with the maglev system, offering elevated platforms and connections to local transport networks.| Code | Station Name | Distance from Fujigaoka (km) | Key Features and Connections |
|---|---|---|---|
| L01 | Fujigaoka | 0.0 | Serves as the western terminus and primary interchange with the Nagoya Municipal Subway Higashiyama Line, facilitating easy access from central Nagoya.[8] |
| L02 | Hanamizuki-dōri | 1.4 | Located in a residential area of Nagoya's Meitō ward, offering proximity to local shopping and community facilities.[8] |
| L03 | Irigaike-kōen | 2.3 | Adjacent to Irigaike Park, providing access to green spaces and recreational areas in Nagakute.[8] |
| L04 | Nagakute Kosenjō | 3.4 | Near the historic Nagakute Battlefield site (Kosenjō Park), connecting to walking trails and historical landmarks.[11] |
| L05 | Geidai-dōri | 4.5 | Close to Aichi Prefectural University of Fine Arts and Music, serving students, faculty, and visitors to cultural institutions.[12] |
| L06 | Kōen-nishi | 6.0 | Positioned near western entrances to local parks and residential developments in Nagakute.[8] |
| L07 | Aichikyūhaku-kinen-kōen | 7.0 | Direct access to the Aichi Expo 2005 Commemorative Park (Moricoro Park), including attractions like the Expo Memorial Pavilion and Ghibli Park.[13] |
| L08 | Toji-shiryokan-minami | 8.0 | Southern gateway to the Aichi Prefectural Ceramic Museum (Toji Shiryokan), supporting visits to ceramic art collections and exhibits.[13] |
| L09 | Yakusa | 8.9 | Eastern terminus with interchange to the Aichi Loop Line; located near Toyota Motor Corporation's Bōbi Plant and related automotive facilities.[8][14] |