Kumamoto low-floor car enters service

August 2 is the start of revenue operations with Japan's first 100% low-floor tram in the city of Kumamoto. Ordered in June 1996 from Niigata Engineering and Adtranz, the two-section car was delivered for commissioning trials in April and was approved for operation by the Japanese Ministry of Transport in July. The vehicle is derived from the AEG-Bremen design supplied to various German cities by Adtranz, but has been adapted to Japanese requirements by Niigata. Bogies, traction equipment and some interior parts were supplied from Germany for assembly in Japan. Floor height is 360 mm above rail, sloping down to 300 mm at the two 1,250 mm wide doorways on each side.