The Research Of Development Of Japanese Keihanshin Light Rail Transportation

Light rail transportation is one kind of urban communications, and it is also one of the fastest growing rail transit form. Keihanshin is the earliest area where Japanese private light rail transportation rose, appearing and developing fast in the late period of Meiji, and it gradually formed perfect regional light rail transportation till early Showa, after the adjustment and improvement in wartime and postwar, and it finally forming nowadays huge scale and system. At the same time, Keihanshin area is the cradle where multiple business models emerged, experiencing three stages which are line, point-line and plane. Diversified business began from the Hanshin electrical railway, carried forward by Hankyu Railway, then it formed systemic business models and extended to other light rail companies. Diversified business mainly involved the development of real estate, tourism and leisure, cultural recreation, site department stores, and hotels, along the line, which are closely related to light rail transportation. Diversified business not only brings generous earnings for light rail companies, but also is promoting the development along the line. The development of Keihanshin light rail transportation has distinct features, having typicality in Japan, and its successful experience has huge referential significance for the urban communications of our country.