The Beginnings of the Kobe Municipal Subway

Starting operation in August 1917, the Kobe Streetcar that had serviced every corner of the city was finally decommissioned in March 1971. The Kobe Municipal Subway was planned to replace the streetcar as Kobe’s principal mode of public transport, servicing the western and northern districts of Kobe. In March 1977, the 5.7km Seishin Line between Myo-dani Station and Shin-Nagata Station commenced operation.

Subway Expansion

From 1977, the subway system was continuously expanded upon. In March 1987 the Seishin-Yamate Line, covering the 22.7km from Chuo Station to Shin-Kobe Station began operating. Following this, in April 1988, the Seishin-Yamate Line was complemented by the Hokushin Kyuko Electric Railway, which runs between Shin-Kobe and Tanigami. Together, the two services form the Green U Line, and serve western and northern Kobe. Overcoming the tragedy of the Great Hanshin Earthquake in 1995, and with the aim of connecting Hyogo-ku and Nagata-ku with the inner city, the 7.9km Kaigan Line between Nagata Station and Hanadokei-mae Station was opened in July 2001.

A People-friendly Subway

So that elderly passengers, those with disabilities, and indeed everyone can use the subway system in comfort and with ease, active efforts are being made in the realms of impediment removal and universal design. Elevators, escalators, wheelchair accessible toilets, tactile paving, and other features have been in use on the Seishin-Yamate Line from the outset. Currently, all stations feature step-free access routes, as well as multipurpose toilets with ostomate equipment.

On the Kaigan Line, stretcher-accessible elevators are available, and sound guidance systems are in place in toilets, elevators, and stairways.

Efforts Towards Safety and Peace of Mind

In order to prevent fall-related accidents on platforms, the Seishin-Yamate and Sannomiya Lines will lead the way with installation of moveable platform barriers. Construction is currently planned to commence in 2017.

On the Kaigan Line, the earthquake and tsunami countermeasures in place include watertight barriers and metal doors to prevent inundation. Furthermore, in readiness for power outages due to large-scale earthquakes, work is ongoing to install high capacity storage batteries for use in times of emergency.

Upgrades to Rolling Stock on the Seishin-Yamate Line

Between 2018 and 2022, an overhaul of rolling stock on the Seishin-Yamate Line is planned. The new model trains will improve safety, passenger comfort, and further contribute towards impediment removal efforts and energy conservation. The new trains will work together with moveable platform barriers and allow for one-man operation on subway services.

Celebrating 100 Years of Kobe Municipal Transport, and the 40th Anniversary of the Opening of the Subway

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the opening of the Seishin-Yamate Line in March 2017, and in August the 100th anniversary of the opening of Kobe’s first transport system– the streetcar network, a number of commemorative events and projects are planned. Commemorating the success of Kobe’s transport infrastructure is an opportunity to reflect on the progress made, to consider the vital role the subway has played in terms of Kobe’s development, and to continue encouraging the use of the subway system.