World’s First Dual-Mode Vehicle Is Ready to Hit the Road in Japan

Have you had the opportunity to take a bus that turns into a train carriage before? If you visit Japan, you can have this opportunity as the world’s first dual-mode vehicle is ready to serve the country’s people.

When you look at the vehicle, it looks like a minibus at first, with its rubber tires. But, its steel wheels on the undercarriage enable the diesel-powered bus to act as a train. This vehicle can turn to be the train in approximately 15 seconds, according to Kyodo News.

To go into action onto the railway, the front tires of the DMV are being lifted by the train wheels while the rear wheels hold their position, and the DMV draws its strength from the rear ones to move on the tracks.

The vehicle stands out with its modest feature; it is lighter than a traditional train, which means it needs less fuel, according to Asa Seaside Railway. As for its speed, the DMV can reach up to 60 kilometers per hour on railroad tracks and about 100 kilometers per hour on concrete or asphalt roads.

First dual-mode vehicle in the world

These vehicles, each can carry 23 passengers including crew, are in different colours and will run along a 50-kilometer route connecting several Japanese towns. Those who are involved in the project hope this initiative will attract tourists to the region and enliven the local economy affected by the coronavirus outbreak. Passengers will bear witness to the unique coastal landscape during their journey containing a 10-kilometer railway passage.

“Especially in rural areas with an aging population, we expect it to be a very good form of public transport,” Shigeki Miura, the CEO of Asa, told Reuters.

Reuters photo

Reuters photo