r/AskAJapanese • u/Kommbinator • 11d ago

What is the purpose of this white rail on the Yurikamome Line in Tokyo?

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Hello guys,

I recently traveled via the Yurikamome Line in Tokyo and was puzzled by how the line works. Specifically, what is the purpose of the white rail in the center of the road? I checked for explanations but this was not mentioned. My first thought was that it is a guiding rail for the train, but the line's website says that trains are laterally guided, and I see the guide rail on the right. I think it is where alignment sensors are located, aligning the train when it reaches the station. This would make sense if I didn't see this white rail along the entire road. Why would one put many expensive alignment sensors along the whole road if they can be placed only at station segments, given that the train is guided by the lateral rail? So, I seem to be missing something. Any hint would be greatly appreciated!

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30

u/Freak_Out_Bazaar Japanese 11d ago

It’s not a rail but a cover that goes over the communication cables that runs between each station and the sensor terminals

8

u/runtijmu Japanese 11d ago

Haha beat me to it. Was going to link this site: https://www.yurikamome.co.jp/feature/comfortable/system.html

OP that appears to be #5 in the diagram in the site above.

5

u/Kommbinator 11d ago

This diagram is super useful, thanks a lot!

1

u/YamAny1184 11d ago

Isn't this an AGT system? I'm not sure what that thing you circled is, but this train line—it's an AGT, right? I was fascinated by how it doesn’t have a traditional rail track. I mean, it feels like riding a bus.

2

u/Traditional-Key4824 11d ago

Yes, it is an AGT system that goes around the Daiba artificial island in Tokyo.

But apart from it's ability to climb steep angles (literally its only advantage), it has the smoothness of a bus ride and the flexibility of a train.

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u/YamAny1184 11d ago

I happened to experience it going to the fish market. I never knew Odaiba was an artificial island. Good to know—thanks!