It has come to light that JR Kyushu is considering installing a ropeway between Hakata Station and the Hakata Waterfront. The ropeway, which would be Japan’s first urban ropeway if brought to fruition, would run for 2.5 km along Taihaku-dori Ave. The aim of the proposal, which was submitted to the City from the private sector for the Waterfront District Redevelopment Plan, is to improve access to the Waterfront while creating a new tourist attraction in the downtown area. Posts would be installed in the median on Taihaku-dori Ave. upon which several 15-person gondolas would travel, carrying about 2,400 people per hour. The trip would take about seven minutes. Top brass from JR Kyushu said the decision would be “up to the City”, but called the idea “intriguing”. JR Kyushu did not release any price estimates, but one contractor said it would cost “about ¥12 billion”, or less than a subway extension. Source: Yahoo News 12/12
(Photo: provided by the City of Fukuoka)
