# Hiroshima Electric Railway operational expansions

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/hiroshima-electric-railway-operational-expansions
> Updated: 2026-09-24T08:23:00.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

Hiroshima Electric Railway is implementing several operational changes to improve transit efficiency and meet regional demand. In September 2026, the company began operating streetcars on a specific section of Line 8 at speeds up to 50 km/h. This marks the first time in Japan that a tram running alongside motor vehicles has exceeded the standard 40 km/h limit, a move intended to reduce the speed gap between trams and automobiles to improve transit speed and safety.

Additionally, the company announced the relaunch of its charter bus service on October 1, 2026, the first such service in 30 years. This initiative aims to address rising tourism and inbound demand in Hiroshima Prefecture using six new bird-themed vehicles. To manage a regional shortage of bus drivers, the company will initially utilize 14 route bus drivers for these services and plans to recruit more staff, including foreign nationals, in the future.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-24: Hiroshima Electric Railway restarts charter bus service

Hiroshima Electric Railway is restarting its charter bus service after 30 years to meet growing tourism demand, introducing six new vehicles named ‘Yoritorimidori’ starting October 1.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hiroshima-electric-railway-restarts-charter-bus-service

### 2026-09-16: Hiroshima Electric Railway increases tram speeds to 50 km/h

Hiroshima Electric Railway has launched Japan's first streetcar service running at 50 km/h alongside automobiles on a section of Line 8 to improve speed and safety.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hiroshima-electric-railway-increases-tram-speeds-to-50-kmh

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Cite as: Hiroshima Electric Railway operational expansions. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/hiroshima-electric-railway-operational-expansions