Rigel Light Rail
| Industry | Light Rail & APM Operation |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2024 |
| Number of lines | 5 (4 Light Rail, 1 APM) |
| No. of stations | 33 |
| No. of Employees | 2 |
The Rigel Light Rail (Chinese: 里格爾輕鐵) is a subsidiary wholly owned by Rigel Corporation, operating 4 Light Rail and 1 APM routes. It is formed after a reorganization of Rigel Corporation, splitting heavy rail services to Rigel Railway, and light rail services to Rigel Light Rail.
History
Establishment
In 2003, the Joban Government conducted a survey on those who commonly commuted to and from Joban, an estimated 5 million trips per day.
The survey was conducted to find the mode of transport that was most lacking in development and assist it with government subsidies. The survey returned 60% being unhappy about the railroads, citing the constant delays and seemingly arbitrary fares. (See Joestu Line Stage 3)
The Joban Government decided to construct a new line to duplicate and relieve traffic on the Joestu Line between Fuka and Central. This would be handed over to the Rigel Corporation.
Fuka Lightrail
Main article: Fuka Lightrail
In March 2021, Rigel Corp took over the operation of Fuka Lightrail due to the disband of Norslade Rail Road.
In April 2021, constructions of the Fuka Lightrail Alyburgh branch has continued under Rigel Corporation.
Joban Light Rail
Joban Light Rail is first proposed on July 2021.
A section of Central Light Rail 271 utilizes the now abandoned East-West Express track and stations, as such Rigel Corporation are looking for the opportunities of extending the line.
It was later discovered that Hercules Station that is built for the Fuka Lightrail Alyburgh Branch is not far away from the abandoned tracks and tunnels of East-West Express.
As Central Light Rail Route 271 is lacking an efficient turn back rail, it was originally proposed for trains to terminate at the now named Telford Station, then share the terminus loop with Fuka Lightrail at Hercules. However the government cited inconvenience for the passengers and proposed a merger between Fuka Lightrail Alyburgh Branch and Central Light Rail 271.
Joban Light Rail has officially been opened on the 8th April, 2023.
Kansai APM
The Kansai APM Network was initially a part of the KCR Network, but was later handed over to Rigel Corporation with a 50 year Service Concession.
Due to various legal matters that was not foreseen before the handover, existing KCR Vehicle cannot be repainted, as such the trains with KCR Wordmark can still be seen on the Kansai APM Network.
These vehicles are expected to slowly phase out soon as Rigel Corporation have performed a mass-order of new LRV Vehicles that serves the Kansai APM and other Light Rail route for at least 15 years.
Fuka-Metropolis APM
Main Article: Fuka-Metropolis APM
The Fuka-Metropolis APM was initially planned to be operated by the Joban Transport Department to ensure the route is operated and used for public good.
However it was later deemed that it is not suitable for the department to operate routes, due to the relative little experience in directly operating networks as well as cost-effectiveness. The operation is later transferred to Rigel Corporation (Now Rigel Light Rail), under the terms that the company must follow a fixed fare set by the Joban Transport Department.