Cassie here: For train enthusiasts Kumamoto City is introducing two new three car street cars on the 24 this month. Also don’t forget that public transportation won’t be accepting national cards like Suica soon. You can only use the Kumamoto Kumamon card. Nimoca will also not be accepted.
“九州最大” 熊本市電『3両編成の新型車両』が24日運行開始 （RKK熊本放送） - Yahoo!ニュース https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/d3e546fea5ab0f3403afeb3bf5cf3735d600c140
Translation of Japanese news article below.
The mayor of Kumamoto City, Onishi, announced that the new three-car train to be newly introduced on the Kumamoto City Tram, will begin operation on November 24.
[See photos] “Kyushu’s largest” Kumamoto City Tram “New 3-car train” will start operating on the 24th
From November 24, two new 3-car trains newly introduced by Kumamoto City Tram will be operated. It features a stylish car body with the image of the roof and plaster walls of Kumamoto Castle.
The total length of the vehicle is 21 meters and the capacity is 112 people. Compared to the two-car low-floor vehicles currently running, the capacity is about 1.5 times larger, and it is the largest streetcar in Kyushu.
Due to a shortage of drivers, the Kumamoto City Tram has been reduced in schedules and accumulated during rush hour, and the Kumamoto City Transportation Bureau wants to solve these problems.
With the introduction of this new vehicle, the number of low-floor vehicles has increased to 5, and the number of operating vehicles on weekdays is expected to increase from the current 55 to 71 (the number of vehicles increased to 67 on weekends and holidays).
The Kumamoto City Transportation Bureau would like to proceed with the introduction of this new vehicle after next fiscal year (FY2025).
