From the last time, we started a series introducing episodes of railways in Chuo-ku. In addition to railway fans, I would like to touch on the appeal of railways that have supported Japan's development as infrastructure.
The "railway carriage" introduced last time has been replaced with a tram due to difficulties in maintaining the track and measures against horse manure. In 1903 (Meiji 36), streetcars began running in Shimbashi-Shinagawa and Sukiyabashi-Kanda Bridge. Trains came to the current Chuo-ku.
After the merger of capital in parallel, the city of Tokyo acquired it in 1911 and restarted it as a public railway. Today's Toei Transportation is starting this year. In other words, this year marks the 100th anniversary of its opening. It has long been loved as a foot of citizens and citizens while overcoming the damage of the Great Kanto Earthquake and the war.
However, in the wave of motorization during the period of high economic growth, Toden was abolished one after another, and the area between Nihonbashi and Eitai Bridge, which remained in Chuo-ku until the end, disappeared in November 1972 (Showa 47). Many routes have been handed down to Toei buses and subways.
Looking at the photos left in old postcards, it can be seen that the train has blended into the scenery of the town and has become a part of life. It must have been a friendly person to the people of the time.
An elderly person living nearby told me, "I went to high school on a Toden" or "I often met someone at a transfer stop." It's engraved on people's memories.
However, "trams" may be revived in Chuo-ku. The plan of the next-generation tram (LRT), which Chuo-ku started a survey this year, is attracting attention. In the future, there is a possibility that it will be laid between Ginza and Harumi. If realized, it will be a revival since Ginza disappeared in 1971 (Showa 43).
Trams are already active in many large cities such as Western Europe. It is mainly called 'tram'. Expectations are also increasing in terms of low noise, energy saving, and environmental protection.
Even in Paris, France, which I visited this summer, cool trains came and went, and it was established in the city. It was a tram that was revived in 2006 for the first time in 69 years.
On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Toei Transportation, I touched on the history and prospects of trams. Let's look forward to the development of public transportation that can be used easily by local people.
※Upper left of the photo "Sukiyabashi Intersection before the war" (quoted from commercial postcard)
※Photo taken by the author in the middle of the photo "Current Sukiyabashi Intersection"
※Photo "Figure near Nihonbashi" (quoted from commercial postcard)
※Photo taken by the author "Now Nihonbashi Moto"
※Photo taken by an acquaintance at the bottom left of the photo "Paris streetcar (tram)"
