Osaka Metro 400 series
The Osaka Metro 400 series (Japanese: 大阪メトロ400系, Hepburn: Ōsaka Metoro 400-kei) is an electric multiple unit (EMU) train type built by Hitachi Rail for Osaka Metro. Entering service on 25 June 2023, a total of 23 six-car sets are to be built.
Osaka Metro 400 series | |
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In service | 25 June 2023 – present |
Manufacturer | Hitachi Rail[1] |
Designer | Ken Okuyama |
Assembly | Kasado[1] |
Replaced |
|
Constructed | 2022– |
Number under construction | 132 vehicles (22 sets) |
Number built | 6 vehicles (1 set) |
Formation | 6 cars per set |
Capacity |
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Operator(s) | Osaka Metro |
Line(s) served | Osaka Metro Chuo Line |
Specifications | |
Car body construction | Aluminium |
Electric system(s) | 750 V DC third rail |
Current collector(s) | Contact shoe |
Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge |
Operations
A total of 23 six-car sets are due to be introduced ahead of the 2025 World Expo,[3] and to replace the 20 and 24 series trainsets currently in use on the Chuo Line.[4] The 400 series is the first new Osaka Metro rolling stock type to be ordered following the privatization of the Osaka Municipal Transportation Bureau.[5]
Design
The design of the 400 series was overseen by Ken Okuyama.
Exterior
The exterior design of the 400 series is intended to resemble that of a spaceship,[4] featuring an octagonal front end and headlight clusters at each of the four corners. The 400 series was developed in consideration of the 2025 World Expo, high levels of comfort and safety, accessibility, and to be "fun to ride".[6] In addition, the train type will have lower floor heights than their predecessors, as well as more clearly marked priority seating.[7] The sets use aluminium for body construction.
Interior
The interior incorporates calm color palette, and the longitudinal seats use a varied color palette.[7]
Passenger accommodation consists of longitudinal seating throughout, except for one car, which features transverse seating.[4] Priority seating is provided.[7] Passenger information displays will be provided, displaying information in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean.[4]
The luggage racks are 10 millimetres (0.39 in) lower than those of other train types.
Formation
The sets are formed as follows.
Numbering | 409-01 | 402-01 | 403-01 | 408-01 | 401-01 | 406-01 |
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History
The trains were first formally announced by Osaka Metro on 9 December 2021.[4] Production of the 400 series fleet commenced[1] in 2022, and the first set was delivered from Hitachi's Kasado plant in October of that year.[1] On 7 December 2022, Osaka Metro unveiled the first 400 series to the press.
It was originally intended that the 400 series would enter service in April 2023;[9] however, its introduction into service was delayed until 25 June 2023.[5] Of the 23 sets to be produced, 12 sets are expected to enter service in fiscal 2023.[10]
References
- "大阪市高速電気軌道400系第1編成が緑木検車場に搬入される" [The first Osaka Metro 400 series trainset is delivered to the Midoriki Inspection Station]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 1 November 2022. Archived from the original on 1 November 2022. Retrieved 2 November 2022.
- "Osaka Metro to roll out new train cars in April 2023 ahead of world's fair". Mainichi Daily News. 11 December 2021. Archived from the original on 8 April 2022. Retrieved 30 March 2022.
- "未来感あふれる宇宙船風、クロスシート車も…大阪メトロに新造400系" [A spaceship style full of futurism, cross-seat cars... Newly built 400 series for Osaka Metro]. Response Automotive Media (in Japanese). 9 December 2021. Archived from the original on 12 December 2021. Retrieved 12 December 2021.
- 大阪市高速電気軌道400系が営業運転を開始 [Osaka Municipal Rapid Electric Tramway 400 series begins commercial operation]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 25 June 2023. Retrieved 25 June 2023.
- "「大阪メトロ」中央線の新型車両400系「乗って楽しい」デザインに" [Osaka Metro's new 400 series to incorporate a "fun to ride" design]. Mynavi News (in Japanese). Mynavi Corporation. 9 December 2021. Archived from the original on 31 May 2022. Retrieved 22 March 2022.
- "大阪市高速電気軌道,中央線に400系・30000A系を導入" [Osaka City High-Speed Electric Tramway to introduce 400 and 30000A series to the Chuo Line]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 9 December 2021. Archived from the original on 9 December 2021. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
- 「大阪メトロ」新型車両400系、6/25運行開始へ - ダイヤは公開せず ["Osaka Metro" delays new 400 series introduction to 25 June]. Mynavi News (in Japanese). 25 April 2023. Archived from the original on 25 April 2023. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
- "「大阪メトロ」中央線の新型車両400系、2023年度は12編成を導入へ" ["Osaka Metro" Chuo Line 400 series: 12 trainsets to be introduced in 2023]. MyNavi Corporation (in Japanese). 10 May 2023. Archived from the original on 10 May 2023. Retrieved 10 May 2023.
External links
- Official press release (in Japanese)
- Media related to Osaka Metro 400 series at Wikimedia Commons