The World’s First Double‑Mode Vehicle: Bus‑Meets‑Train
Picture this: you hop into a pint‑size minibus, and by the time you hit the next interchange, it’s already ready to glide on the track as a full‑blown train carriage. Sounds like a plot from a sci‑fi movie, yet this is happening in Kaiyo, a quiet town in Japan’s Tokushima prefecture.
How the Magic Happens
- Road mode: It rolls on standard rubber tires, just like any ordinary bus.
- Rail mode: At an interchange, steel wheels simply drop down from the vehicle’s belly, knocking the front tires off the tracks while the rear wheels stay on, giving it a perfectly smooth transition.
- Result? A vehicle that can drive on highways at up to 100 km/h (62 mph) and stop on rails, running at 60 km/h (37 mph).
Why It’s a Game‑Changer for Small Towns
Shigeki Miura, CEO of Asa Coast Railway, points out that ageing and shrinking populations leave local transport perched on a knife‑edge of profitability.
He says, “This DMV can reach the locals as a bus and then carry them onto the railway. In rural areas with an ageing population, we expect it to be a very good form of public transport.”
Capacity & Aesthetic
- Can hold up to 21 passengers.
- Available in a rainbow of colors.
- Powered by diesel to keep the journey smooth‑and‑steady.
Scenic Route
These vehicles will zip along the coast of Shikoku island, linking a handful of small towns and offering travelers a dazzling slice of seaside splendor.
What the Future Looks Like
Miura hopes the DMV will intrigue railway lovers from all over Japan, encouraging them to hop on and experience coastal vibes while riding a bus that transforms into one of the country’s most beloved railways.
So next time you’re in a small Japanese town, keep an eye out—you might just see one of these ingenious hybrids parking on a curb, then ready to swing into the rails.
