Dual Mode Vehicle on roads and railway tracks in Tokushima, Japan - 21 Mar 2026 by James Matsumoto / SOPA Images
The DMV (Dual Mode Vehicle) attracts significant public attention as it operates uniquely both on conventional roads and railway tracks. Developed by Asa Coast Railway, the DMV is the world’s first commercial dual-mode vehicle equipped with retractable steel rail wheels that allow it to switch seamlessly between road and rail within seconds. On the road, it functions like a diesel minibus carrying passengers from town to town. Upon reaching a rail junction, the vehicle lowers its rail wheels, lifts its front tires slightly and transitions onto the tracks becoming a rail-bound vehicle without requiring passengers to disembark. Its lightweight structure enables efficient fuel consumption and reduces operational costs making it suitable for rural regions with declining populations and reduced railway demand. The service connects coastal towns, schools, and local communities.
You must be logged in to use lightbox functionality