Japanese authorities seeking to reduce the carbon footprint and overcrowding on Mount Fuji will propose a trackless, rubber-tire tram system made by China’s CRRC to transport climbers, a person with direct knowledge of the plan said.
The new proposal, which has not been previously reported, would replace the original plan to build a light-rail system connecting the base to the fifth hiking station of the popular Yoshida Trail, which goes to the top, after a local city and other parties voiced concern over its environmental and cost impact.
Yamanashi Prefecture, home of the most popular route used by climbers of the 3,776-meter volcano, is set to announce the plan soon, the person said, asking for anonymity because the information is not yet public.