Propelled by linear motor, the Nanakuma Line is the first subway line in Japan with a fully-automatic, or driverless, operational system that is safe and efficient. The subway line, which cost JPY280 billion ($2.4 billion) to build, also takes passengers to the adjacent underground shopping mall, the biggest of its kind in southern Japan. The mall is connected to about 20 nearby buildings and shopping areas, allowing shoppers to shop as they please without worries of bad weather.
“This subway line is showcases state-of-the-art technologies and facilities that ensure full accessibility for everyone, including disabled people, the elderly, pregnant women and children,” said Dr. Masaru Sato, a professor at Kyushu University, who presided over the Design Committee’s meetings for the subway.
All stations are equipped with elevators with easy passage, ticketing machines at low height, double handrails, guide maps with audio response system and Braille tiles. There are spacious toilets tailored for wheelchair users, seriously handicapped persons and mother with infants.
“With the world’s most advanced technologies and systems that this subway has provided, disabled and senior citizens can travel in a relaxed and comfortable way,” says Dr. Sato.
The gap between the train floor and loading platform heights is kept to a minimum, which enables wheelchair users to enter or get out of the train on their own without the wheels of the wheelchair falling into the gap.
June 11, 2006
JAPAN: Fukuoka City's Latest Subway Is Designed for Seniors
FUKUOKA, Japan (Arab Times - Kuwait), June 10. 2006:
Fukuoka City’s third subway line, the Nanakuma Line, that began service in February 2005 is the world’s most advanced universal design, 900 kilometers southwest of Tokyo. It connects 16 stations on the course of 12 kilometers and trains run every four minutes during morning rush hour.
Propelled by linear motor, the Nanakuma Line is the first subway line in Japan with a fully-automatic, or driverless, operational system that is safe and efficient. The subway line, which cost JPY280 billion ($2.4 billion) to build, also takes passengers to the adjacent underground shopping mall, the biggest of its kind in southern Japan. The mall is connected to about 20 nearby buildings and shopping areas, allowing shoppers to shop as they please without worries of bad weather.
“This subway line is showcases state-of-the-art technologies and facilities that ensure full accessibility for everyone, including disabled people, the elderly, pregnant women and children,” said Dr. Masaru Sato, a professor at Kyushu University, who presided over the Design Committee’s meetings for the subway.
All stations are equipped with elevators with easy passage, ticketing machines at low height, double handrails, guide maps with audio response system and Braille tiles. There are spacious toilets tailored for wheelchair users, seriously handicapped persons and mother with infants.
“With the world’s most advanced technologies and systems that this subway has provided, disabled and senior citizens can travel in a relaxed and comfortable way,” says Dr. Sato.
The gap between the train floor and loading platform heights is kept to a minimum, which enables wheelchair users to enter or get out of the train on their own without the wheels of the wheelchair falling into the gap.
Propelled by linear motor, the Nanakuma Line is the first subway line in Japan with a fully-automatic, or driverless, operational system that is safe and efficient. The subway line, which cost JPY280 billion ($2.4 billion) to build, also takes passengers to the adjacent underground shopping mall, the biggest of its kind in southern Japan. The mall is connected to about 20 nearby buildings and shopping areas, allowing shoppers to shop as they please without worries of bad weather.
“This subway line is showcases state-of-the-art technologies and facilities that ensure full accessibility for everyone, including disabled people, the elderly, pregnant women and children,” said Dr. Masaru Sato, a professor at Kyushu University, who presided over the Design Committee’s meetings for the subway.
All stations are equipped with elevators with easy passage, ticketing machines at low height, double handrails, guide maps with audio response system and Braille tiles. There are spacious toilets tailored for wheelchair users, seriously handicapped persons and mother with infants.
“With the world’s most advanced technologies and systems that this subway has provided, disabled and senior citizens can travel in a relaxed and comfortable way,” says Dr. Sato.
The gap between the train floor and loading platform heights is kept to a minimum, which enables wheelchair users to enter or get out of the train on their own without the wheels of the wheelchair falling into the gap.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment