>>1524032Well it's the only new LRT, whereas others are old rail lines adapted to be quasi-LRT, so it's still a big deal.
Regarding the speed, its actually 44 min for 14.6 km, which would give an average speed (including stops) of 19.9 Km/h. It's not the best, but still better than buses that tend to be between 10-15km/h average speed (check pic)
But you shouldn't despair. According to the Japanese wiki on Utsunomiya LRT, which I roughly translated.
"Narrow gauge (1,067mm) was adopted as the gauge considering the possibility of direct operation with other routes that get into the suburbs of Utsunomiya. At the time of opening, the maximum speed of the whole line is 40 km/h, but in the future by obtaining approval in the through railway law, we will be able to operate at a maximum speed of 50 km/h in the combined track section and 70 km/h in the dedicated track section across Kinugawa. There will also be passing loops at certain stations to allow for express service."
According to the Utsunomiya city website:
44 min for regular service, 37-38 min for express service (which would give it a respectable avg of 23.05 km/h)
This is with the current 40km/h limit on all sections, so if they can up it in the coming years, w/ the solution stated above, it would be pretty darn fast.
https://www.city.utsunomiya.tochigi.jp/kurashi/kotsu/lrt/1013029.html 