PHNOM PENH: Cambodia plans to have a new, electric mass transit system built and running in the capital by 2023, when it hosts the Southeast Asian Games, with the help of Japanese know-how. The Japan International Cooperation Agency is on track to complete the feasibility study for an automated gateway transit system (AGT) by May next year, according to the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT). The estimated cost of the new light-train system is US$800 million (corrected). Transport Minister Sun Chantho is now in Japan leading an MPWT delegation and visited the Yokohama Seaside Line Company, the operator of Tokyo’s AGT, to learn about the transit system and how it would work in Cambodia, the Khmer Times reports “The company shared with us their experience in the operation and control of AGT,” Mr Chanthol said. “AGT is a light-weight train that runs quietly on rubber tyres, reducing noise and vibration with maximum speeds of 60 kilometres per hour.” Following the visit of Prime Minister Hun Sen to Japan in August 2017, Japan agreed to provide assistance to Cambodia to build an AGT system in Phnom Penh. “The goal is that Cambodia should have an AGT system operational before hosting the SEA Games in 2023,” the ministry said. Mr Chanthol said the planned mass transit system woud alleviate the growing traffic problem in the capital. “The number of residents in Phnom Penh increases every year. In 2023 we will host the SEA Games. The new transportation system will help us handle the increase in the number of tourists.”