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Utsunomiya Light Rail HU300 Series / 宇都宮ライトレールHU300形

The HU300 Series (HU300形) is a tram vehicle operated by Utsunomiya Light Rail.

Manufactured for the newly constructed Haga-Utsunonomiya Light Rail Line, the HU300 series is a fully low floor tram operating since the system's opening on the 26th August, 2023. It is based on ADtranz's Incentro body design, also known in Japan as Bremen-type trams. With a full length of 29.52 meters, it is one of the largest in the country, falling just under the 30 meter limit which separates trams from rail vehicles in law. Each vehicle is composed of 3 cars (segments), although the basic structure supports longer vehicles. Utsunomiya is known for it's high frequency of lightning, which is reflected by the type's yellow color theme and nickname 'LIGHTLINE'. The distinctive L shaped decal at the ends of each vehicle was selected by local residents in a public vote, with the aim of creating a futuristic feeling vehicle unique in the country. A total of 17 units were produced in 2021 and 2022 for the line's opening, while an additional 2 vehicles were ordered in response to higher than predicted ridership.

Operator Background:

Utsunomiya Light Rail is a third sector company operating the 14.6km Haga-Utsunomiya Light Rail Line connecting Utsunomiya City with the neighbouring town of Haga. The first brand new LRT system to open in Japan for 75 years, the line is operated with full vertical separation based on the 2007 law for revitalising regional transport systems. The tracks and facilities are owned and maintained the municipal governments directly, while the operator is only in change of running day to day services. The line's route runs from JR Utsunomiya Station on the western end to Haga Industrial Park in the east with a total of 19 stations. It does not pass through Utsunomiya's city center, which lies west of the JR Station. Electrification is at 750V DC, with the track being the 1067mm narrow gauge shared with Japan's conventional network. The entire line is doubled tracked with passing loops at 2 stations to allow for rapid services. There is a mixture of road median alignment in the urban sections and dedicated track on the rural portion. Commuters travelling from residential areas in Utsonomiya's east to a number of large industrial complexes in Haga town is the main target demographic for the line. A majority 51% stake is held by Utsunomiya City and Haga Town, while private investors and an association of local businesses makes up the rest. Ridership on the system had been strong since opening, with around 16,000 per weekday, exceeding projections by around 20%. Encouraged by the results, the City government have pushed ahead with an extension to the west into Utsunomiya's city center, with construction scheduled to start in 2026.

Basic Information:

Max Speed: 70km/h
Acceleration: 0.97m/s/s
Motor Output: 100kW x 1 per car
Seating: semi-cross
In Service: 2023-

The following formations are included:

HU300 Series (3 Car)

Configuration: 3-car articulated
Max Pax: 215