Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. No.2 The Last Trolley Bus in Japan.

The "Tateyama Tunnel Trolley Bus," which connects Murodo and Daikanbo along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, is currently the only trolleybus left in Japan.

However, this trolleybus will operate only until November 30, 2024. After that, regular buses will take its place.

This means that when this trolleybus is discontinued, there will be no more trolleybuses left in Japan.

Although it’s called a "bus," a trolleybus is actually more like a train. It runs on tires like a regular bus and is driven using a steering wheel, but it gets its power from overhead electric lines, meaning it doesn’t produce exhaust fumes and is easier to operate. Its official name is "trackless electric train," and under Japanese law, it’s considered a type of "railway."

Tateyama Tunnel Trolley Bus | Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
https://www.alpen-route.com/en/transport/modes.html

Looking at the back of the bus, you can clearly see how it's connected to the overhead electric lines.

You can check my X account video to see the point where the trolley bus passes by an oncoming vehicle, and the area around the fault zone, which was the most difficult part of constructing this tunnel—this area is illuminated by blue lights.

https://x.com/toyamalove111/status/1841102678434156985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1841102678434156985%7Ctwgr%5Ec0f9549c2681833e8c19aa4174b0d3b2114c11ff%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fnote.com%2Fnana333%2Fn%2Fn6c4d9e7fd693

トロリーバスが対向車とすれ違うところ、そして、このトンネルの工事の最難所であった破砕帯のあたり。ここは、ブルーのライトがつきます。 pic.twitter.com/Wf9LSTT4VS

— 富山♡とみ (@toyamalove111) October 1, 2024

Seeing this sign makes me feel just how much the staff who operate the trolleybus cherish it.

You can really appreciate how difficult the construction of this tunnel must have been when you ride this trolleybus. I’m filled with gratitude that thanks to this trolleybus, we can enjoy a comfortable journey along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.