Launch of Dual Mode Vehicle (DMV) service in Japan, which combines the features of a rail bus with a rail and a regular city bus. It is said to be the first DMV to be launched commercially on a global scale, with the ability to run on railway tracks as well as on regular roads.
In addition to the standard tires, the DMVs were fitted with metal wheels similar to those used on trains to run on tracks. These metal wheels are structured so that they can be held in place on the rails within 15 seconds of pressing a button. The front tires do not touch the rails as the front rises with the arrival of the metal wheel; At the same time, the rear tires will continue to run on the tracks as well as on the road.
The DMV service was started by Asa Seaside Railway Corporation, a private railway company, by integrating road-rail travel in the Japanese city of Kayo. The mission of DMVs is to facilitate the journey of the elderly who live in small towns in remote areas. The DMV is technically a standard ‘city bus’, with the exception of the ability to run both on the road and on the tracks. The DMV with rear wheel drive layout is powered by the same diesel engine as the bus.
The DMV, which can carry up to 21 people in addition to the driver, can reach speeds of up to 100 km / h on the roads; The maximum speed will be reduced to 60 km / h upon boarding. The metal wheels for running on the rails are hidden inside the long ‘nose’ of the DMVs. The DMV is designed in such a way that the rear end is lowered as you climb from the road to the rails. The front tires rise as the metal wheels touch the rails; The rear tires will continue to travel on the tracks as well as on the road.
The Asa Seaside Railway Corporation has upgraded the standard minibus with a total capacity of 23 passengers to DMV. The company completed the development and test run of the DMV at Tokushima Prefecture. In December 2020, the DMV’s test run was between Kainan Station and Kaifu Station. DMV’s service will connect the coast of Shikoku Island in southern Japan; It is hoped that this DMV will pave the way for the development of tourism in the region as well as the improvement of public transport.
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