Minoru SabaAug 21, 2025
Saw a presumably disused agricultural monorail on a visit to Enoura Observatory, which occupies the former site of a citrus grove, in May.
Have spotted these simple vehicles in use on steep hillside orchards & farms.
Have wondered if they couldn't be adapted & used as public transport in remote rural areas.
With appropriate safety precautions, perhaps they could be self-operated "on demand" like one would use an elevator in a high-rise building.🤔
#Japan #RuralTransport
Show threadMinoru Saba

Photographs from a SoraNews24 article on Michi no Eki Minami Kiyosato (Yamanashi Pref.) show that compact monorails already exist.
The return fare for the ride probably reflects the tourist attraction aspect in the Minami Kiyosato example and would need to come down to the level of a local bus ride for everyday use in remote rural settings.
https://soranews24.com/2025/11/15/secret-tourist-stop-in-japan-has-a-lift-car-that-whisks-you-away-to-a-mystery-mountain-destination/

h/t @mattotcha
#RuralTransport #monorail #Japan

Nov 28 at 12:13pmWeb
Show threadMinoru SabaFeb 8

RE: https://ec.social-network.europa.eu/@EUCommission/115615338012219281

Came across a post by the EU Commission on a compact monorail system.
Comments to the post were largely negative, presumably reflecting perceptions of EU needs and resource allocation as well as reactions to the EU Commission itself.
With ageing & scarce taxi drivers in Japan, autonomous robo-taxis & buses are touted as transport solutions for isolated elderly rural dwellers, but not sure about technological maturity or infrastructural cost advantages.