Sapporo Municipal Subway (札幌市営地下鉄 (Sapporo-shiei-chikatetsu))

The Sapporo Municipal Subway is a mostly underground rubber-tyred rapid transit system in Japan. Operated by the Sapporo City Transportation Bureau, it is the only subway system on the island of Hokkaido. Since its opening in 1971, the subway system has played an important role in facilitating the movement of residents and visitors across Sapporo's urban landscape. Consisting of three main lines—the Namboku Line, the Tozai Line, and the Toho Line—the Sapporo Municipal Subway extends its reach to major areas, providing a convenient means of transportation for daily commuters and tourists. All three lines connect with the JR Hokkaido main lines at Odori Station and at Sapporo Station. At Odori and Susukino stations, it connects with the streetcar (tram) above. The total length of the system is 48 km (30 mi) with 46 stations. All lines of the subway use rubber-tyred trains that travel on two flat roll ways guided by a central rail.