William Kumanichi reports on an interesting new transportation mode to be introduced in the Kami/Shimotori areas. This is a pilot program intended to identify problems which must be rectified if/when more widespread rollout can be conducted. Perhaps it is another tool in the box sagging shopping streets would have against their shopping megacenter rivals. Google Translate is as follows.
https://kumanichi.com/articles/1290663
Starting on the 13th, Kumamoto City will begin a two-month demonstration experiment of ``Green Slow Mobility (GRISLO),’’ a transportation service that utilizes small electric vehicles that run at low speeds, in the Kamitori area. The aim is to improve the ease of getting around the city center and encourage the use of public transportation. Demonstration tests are also planned for the Shimotori/Shinshigai area from mid-March to mid-May.
Grislo is an environmentally friendly vehicle that does not emit carbon dioxide (CO2) and travels at speeds of less than 20 km/h. It will also help support the mobility of elderly people who have difficulty walking long distances.
One of two cars, one for 4 people and one for 6 people, will be operated alternately. In principle, you can get on and off the train as you like, but to ensure safety, you cannot get on and off the train at National Route 3, the Kumamoto Tamana Line, or other high-traffic locations such as intersections. Advance reservations are not required and the fare is 100 yen per ride.
There are two stops: the Fujisaki Miyamae Station bus stop and the north side of Hotel Nikko Kumamoto, connecting the 2.5 km round trip route that passes through Uenoura Street and Namikizaka in 15 minutes each way. The buses run every 30 minutes, with the first bus departing at 9 a.m., the last bus departing from Fujisaki Miyamae Station at 4:30 p.m., and Hotel Nikko Kumamoto Kitagai at 4:45 p.m.
The city hopes to attract Kumamoto Electric Railway passengers as well, and says, ``We would like them to use it as a means of transportation to the city center,’’ said the City’s Transportation Promotion Division. During this period, we will also run a campaign where you can ride for free by presenting a one-day pass issued by a prefecture bus operator or city transportation bureau.
Operation has been outsourced to a taxi company that has been conducting its own Grislot test since March last year in the area east of Kamikumamoto Station. The project cost is approximately 5.9 million yen, including the entire Shimodori/Shinshigai area.