Yamanashi Prefecture's Sustainable Mobility Solution for Mount Fuji
Key Ideas
- Yamanashi Prefecture has abandoned plans for a Mount Fuji railway line in favor of a hydrogen-powered rubber-tired tram system called Fuji Tram.
- The new system aims to ease overtourism by restricting general vehicles on the Fuji Subaru Line, reducing environmental damage caused by tourists.
- The decision to opt for the Fuji Tram was influenced by concerns about the environmental impact and high costs associated with building a traditional railway line.
- The prefecture plans to connect the Fuji Tram system to a new station in Kofu and considers expanding its use to other roads and locations.
Yamanashi Prefecture has revealed its shift from a planned Mount Fuji railway line to a more sustainable transportation solution through the introduction of the Fuji Tram. This innovative system, powered by hydrogen fuel cells and rubber wheels, is designed to transport climbers to the iconic mountain. The decision to implement the Fuji Tram comes as a response to the environmental damage and issues of overtourism caused by the increasing number of visitors to Mount Fuji. The tram, operating on the Fuji Subaru Line road, will replace general vehicles to mitigate traffic congestion and preserve the natural environment. Yamanashi Governor Kotaro Nagasaki's decision to prioritize the Fuji Tram over the railway line was influenced by concerns raised by local officials and citizen groups regarding the adverse impact on nature and the challenges of recovery post-natural disasters. The cost-effective and flexible nature of the tram system, capable of navigating challenging terrains, makes it a more viable and sustainable option for the prefecture. Additionally, the potential expansion of the Fuji Tram to other locations signifies a promising step towards enhancing sustainable mobility in the region.