Tokyo Has its F irst Troileybuses
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TOKYO'S first trolleybus route, I operated by 20 single-deckers originally manufactured by the Hino Diesel Co. for export to Communist
China, has been running for the past two months. Because of Government restrictions on exports to China, the vehicles were converted for use in Japan, and are now operating on the outskirts of the capital. Gradual extension of the route to the centre of the city is planned when the necessary overhead equipment has been erected and additional vehicles acquired.
Before the vehicles were put into. service, the Metropolitan Board of fransport of Tokyo solicited suggestions from the public on the question of a suitable colour scheme. The present livery of light green and pink was finally chosen.
At present, five Japanese towns operate trolleybus services. The first was completed in Kyoto in 1934; using. British and Japanese equipment. This remained the only trolleybus service in the country until 1943, when trolleyT buses were introduced in Nagoya.
Inadequate supplies of electricity, unsuitable road conditions and economic difficulties restricted further development, but it is expected that trolleybus operation will expand rapidly , in the future.
The post-war progress of Japan's
commercial-vehicle industry w a s reviewed in "The Commercial Motor" on February 8.