New Shuttle
The New Shuttle (ニューシャトル, Nyū Shatoru) is a rubber-tired guideway transit (AGT) system operating in Saitama Prefecture, Japan, designed to connect suburban residential and commercial areas to central Tokyo via efficient urban transport.[1] It forms part of Japan's standardized New Transport System (NTS), emphasizing low noise, low vibration, and compact infrastructure suitable for densely populated regions.[1] Known formally as the Ina Line, the system runs 12.7 km from Omiya Station in Saitama City to Uchijuku Station in Ina Town, serving 13 stations along a route parallel to the Tohoku and Joetsu Shinkansen lines.[2][3] Inaugurated on December 22, 1983, by Saitama New Urban Transit Co., Ltd.—a third-sector entity backed by Saitama Prefecture and East Japan Railway Company—with the full line completed in 1990, it provides vital access to hospitals, schools, businesses, and attractions such as The Railway Museum.[2][3] The line accommodates up to 10,000–20,000 passengers per hour in peak direction, with features like a minimum curve radius of 25 meters and operation on gradients up to 10%, enabling seamless integration into urban landscapes without extensive catenary wiring.[1][2] The New Shuttle employs advanced AGT technology, utilizing rubber tires on concrete guideways for smooth, quiet travel and resilience against natural disasters like earthquakes and typhoons.[1] Its current fleet consists of six 2020 Series trainsets, each with six cars and all in commercial operation as of late 2024, featuring wheelchair-accessible spaces, improved ventilation and heating systems, and a colorful livery symbolizing a "radiant future"—with the final trainset delivered by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in November 2024 to enhance reliability and passenger comfort.[2][3] This upgrade builds on the system's original design, which prioritizes ease of maintenance and environmental compatibility over traditional rail.[1]System description
Overview
The New Shuttle is a manually driven rubber-tyred automated guideway transit (AGT) system operated by Saitama New Urban Transit Co., Ltd., a third-sector public corporation established to manage regional transport infrastructure in Japan.[4][5] This system functions as a people mover, utilizing rubber tires on a dedicated guideway to provide efficient short-distance travel.[6] Located in Saitama Prefecture, north of Tokyo, the New Shuttle primarily serves newly developed residential and urban areas along its Ina Line route, facilitating commuter connections to major rail hubs such as Ōmiya Station for access to the broader metropolitan network.[4] The line spans 12.7 kilometers from Ōmiya Station to Uchijuku Station, featuring 13 stations that integrate with local communities and landmarks.[6] As of November 2025, the New Shuttle remains fully operational without major disruptions, supporting daily ridership through its reliable service and recent fleet upgrades, including the introduction of the 2020 series trains.[2]Technical specifications
The New Shuttle system employs a rubber-tyred configuration on a dedicated concrete guideway, eliminating the need for a standard rail gauge as the vehicles are guided laterally by the guideway structure itself. This design enables precise navigation through urban environments with tight curves, achieving a minimum radius of 25 meters while minimizing noise and vibration through the use of rubber tyres in contact with the concrete surface.[3][2] The infrastructure consists of a fully elevated 12.7 km guideway, constructed as a continuous concrete beam to facilitate smooth, grade-separated travel and avoid all ground-level crossings, enhancing safety and efficiency in the densely populated Saitama region. The route parallels the Tohoku and Joetsu Shinkansen lines for much of its length, integrating with the broader high-speed rail network without direct interconnection.[7][7] Power is supplied via a third rail system at 600 V 50 Hz three-phase AC, with side contact to deliver electricity to the vehicles, supporting the system's operational demands in a compact urban transit context. The system has a capacity of 10,000–20,000 passengers per hour in the peak direction.[1] The maximum operational speed is 60 km/h, with acceleration and deceleration profiles tailored to the AGT format for rapid station stops and passenger comfort, typically reaching full speed in short segments between the 13 stations.[7] Operations are manually driven by onboard operators, augmented by automatic train protection (ATP) systems that enforce speed limits, prevent collisions, and ensure adherence to signaling protocols for reliable service on the mixed double- and single-tracked sections. The Maruyama Depot, situated adjacent to Maruyama Station in central Saitama, serves as the primary maintenance facility, housing rolling stock inspection, repairs, and storage to support daily system upkeep.[4]The Ina Line
Route overview
The Ina Line of the New Shuttle begins at Ōmiya Station in Saitama City and extends northwest for 12.7 km to Uchijuku Station, traversing the Ina and Kazo areas of Saitama Prefecture.[8][2] The route comprises a fully elevated guideway that parallels the Tohoku Shinkansen from Ōmiya to approximately Maruyama Station and then the Joetsu Shinkansen northward, starting with a loop configuration beneath Ōmiya Station before aligning alongside the high-speed lines.[7][4] This alignment integrates seamlessly with the surrounding geography, primarily serving the expansive Saitama New Town developments—a planned urban extension designed to foster regional growth in the northern suburbs of the Tokyo metropolitan area.[8] The line crosses a mix of residential neighborhoods, industrial districts, and peripheral agricultural lands, providing connectivity to both established communities and emerging suburban expansions while minimizing ground-level disruption through its elevated structure.[3][8] Notable landmarks include the proximity of Tetsudō-Hakubutsukan Station to The Railway Museum, a major rail heritage site directly accessible from the platform, enhancing the route's role in local tourism.[9] At its southern terminus, the line connects directly to JR East's extensive network at Ōmiya Station, a key hub for regional and intercity travel. The entire path features 13 stations.[8] Engineered for efficient urban transit, the route maintains minimal grades and gentle curvatures, with a minimum curve radius of 25 m, supporting maximum operational speeds of 60 km/h suitable for the densely populated corridor.[3][4]Stations
The Ina Line of the New Shuttle serves 13 stations over its 12.7 km route from Ōmiya to Uchijuku, all of which are elevated structures designed for the system's rubber-tyred guideway vehicles.[8] Platforms at all stations measure 120 m in length to accommodate 6-car trainsets, with accessibility features including elevators installed at major interchanges and high-traffic stops such as Ōmiya and Tetsudō-Hakubutsukan for wheelchair users and passengers with mobility aids.[10] Passenger amenities are consistent across the line, featuring automatic ticket gates, weather-protected shelters on platforms, and nearby connections to local bus services operated by entities like Saitama Kotsu for onward travel in residential and industrial areas.[11] The stations are as follows:| Station Name | Code | Distance from Ōmiya (km) | Key Features and Connections |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ōmiya | NS01 | 0.0 | Southern terminus and major interchange with JR East lines including the Keihin-Tōhoku, Utsunomiya, and Takasaki lines, as well as the Tōhoku, Jōetsu, and Hokuriku Shinkansen; equipped with full ticketing facilities and direct access to Omiya Station's extensive retail and transport hub.[12][13] |
| Tetsudō-Hakubutsukan | NS02 | 1.5 | Provides direct pedestrian access (under 1 minute walk) to The Railway Museum, a major rail heritage site opened in 2007; formerly named Ōnari Station until renaming on 14 October 2007 to coincide with the museum's opening; elevators and family-oriented amenities emphasize its role as a tourist gateway.[14] |
| Kamonomiya | NS03 | 3.2 | Serves residential neighborhoods in Kita-ku, Saitama City; basic facilities with platform shelters and local bus links; wheelchair-accessible via ramps.[15][16] |
| Higashi-Miyahara | NS04 | 4.0 | Located in residential and commercial areas of Kita-ku; connections to JR Takasaki Line at nearby Miyahara Station (walking distance); elevators available for accessibility. |
| Komba | NS05 | 4.8 | Amidst suburban developments in Kita-ku; features ticket gates and shelters; proximate to community buses for local access.[17] |
| Yoshinohara | NS06 | 5.6 | Residential station in Kita-ku, Saitama City; basic amenities including intercoms for safety; local bus integration for nearby schools and housing.[18] |
| Haraichi | NS07 | 6.4 | Serves agricultural and suburban zones in Ageo City; platform shelters and ticket vending; accessibility via stairs with some ramp options.[19] |
| Shōnan | NS08 | 7.2 | In residential Ageo City; connects to local buses; standard shelters and gates for commuter use.[20] |
| Maruyama | NS09 | 8.2 | Integrates with the Maruyama Rail Yard, the system's primary depot for maintenance and storage (non-passenger operational hub adjacent to platforms); features bike rental services (¥500 deposit, available for high school students and adults, returnable at other stations); local bus access.[21][22] |
| Shiku | NS10 | 9.4 | Suburban stop with proximity to community facilities; basic passenger amenities and bus links. |
| Inachūō | NS11 | 10.5 | Central station in Ina Town's urban area; elevators for accessibility; serves shopping and administrative hubs with bus connections. |
| Hanuki | NS12 | 11.6 | Residential endpoint near Uchijuku; standard ticket gates, shelters, and bus proximity for final leg travel. |
| Uchijuku | NS13 | 12.7 | Northern terminus in Kazo City; basic facilities with platform shelters; connects to local buses serving surrounding rural and suburban areas. |