The Kaigan Line (海岸線), also known as the "Yumekamome", is one of two lines of the Kobe Municipal Subway. Trains of the line are propelled by linear motors. This is the third linear motor rapid transit line to be built in Japan.

History

Construction of the line began in 1994 but was interrupted by the Great Hanshin earthquake which hit Kobe in 1995. Despite the cross section of the tunnels being smaller compared to a conventional subway tunnel, there was still a substantial amount of construction happening at surface level. After being scheduled for a 1999 opening, revenue service began in 2001. Since opening, ridership numbers have stagnated. The projected ridership within 2001 was estimated to be 80,000 boardings, the actual boardings recorded were just over 34,000 in that year. The goal of 50,000 boardings by 2020 was also not achieved. As a result, the line has accumulated a deficit of over ¥100 Billion over 20 years of operation as of 2021.

Operation

The line is 7.9 km long and runs between Shin-Nagata Station in the west to Sannomiya-Hanadokeimae Station in the east. The maximum grade on the line is 50‰.

Stations

Rolling stock

All trains are based at Misaki-Kōen Depot.