Osaka Metro 400 series

Osaka Metro 400 series
A 400 series set in November 2023
In service25 June 2023 – present
ManufacturerHitachi Rail[1]
DesignerKen Okuyama
AssemblyKasado[1]
Replaced
Constructed2022–
Number under construction78 vehicles (13 sets)
Number built60 vehicles (10 sets) as of December 2023[2]
Formation6 cars per set
Capacity
  • 125 (end cars)[3]
  • 139 (most int. cars)[3]
  • 140 (408-xx cars only)[3]
Operators Osaka Metro
Lines served
Specifications
Car body constructionAluminium
Electric system(s)750 V DC third rail
Current collector(s)Contact shoe
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge

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.

Operations

A total of 23 six-car sets are due to be introduced ahead of the 2025 World Expo,[4] and to replace the 20 and 24 series trainsets currently in use on the Chuo Line.[5] The 400 series is the first new Osaka Metro rolling stock type to be ordered following the privatization of the Osaka Municipal Transportation Bureau.[6]

Design

The design of the 400 series was overseen by Ken Okuyama.[3]

Exterior

The exterior design of the 400 series is intended to resemble that of a spaceship,[5] featuring an octagonal front end and headlight clusters at each of the four corners.[3] 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".[7] In addition, the train type has a lower floor height than its predecessors, as well as more clearly marked priority seating.[8] The sets use aluminium for body construction.[3]

Interior

The interior incorporates calm color palette, and the longitudinal seats use a varied color palette.[8]

Passenger accommodation consists of longitudinal seating throughout, except for one car, which features transverse seating.[5] Priority seating is provided.[8] Passenger information displays are provided, displaying information in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean.[5]

The 400 series was originally designed with a full-glass door between the passenger cabin and the crew compartment, but due to structural issues, sets used a half-glass door instead.[2]: 3 

The luggage racks are 10 millimetres (0.39 in) lower than those of other train types.[3]

  • Interior
    Interior
  • Priority seating
    Priority seating
  • Wheelchair space at left
    Wheelchair space at left
  • Transverse seating
    Transverse seating
  • LCD information display
    LCD information display
  • Driver's cab
    Driver's cab

Formation

The sets are formed as follows.[3]

Numbering 409-01 402-01 403-01 408-01 401-01 406-01

History

The trains were first formally announced by Osaka Metro on 9 December 2021.[5] Production of the 400 series fleet commenced[1] in 2022,[9] 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.[3]

It was originally intended that the 400 series would enter service in April 2023;[10] however, its introduction into service was delayed until 25 June 2023.[6] Of the 23 sets to be produced, 12 sets are expected to enter service in fiscal 2023.[11]

On 23 May 2024, the 400 series received the Laurel Prize, presented annually by the Japan Railfan Club.[12]

References

  1. ^ a b c d "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.
  2. ^ a b c ｢宇宙船｣大阪メトロ400系､普段見せない空飛ぶ姿 ["Spaceship" Osaka Metro 400 series, a flying appearance that is not usually seen]. Toyo Keizai Online (in Japanese). 10 January 2024. Archived from the original on 6 February 2024. Retrieved 17 January 2024.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i "「大阪メトロ」新型車両400系を公開、クロスシート車も - 写真91枚" [Osaka Metro unveils new 400 series train with transverse seating - 91 photos]. Mynavi News (in Japanese). 7 December 2022. Archived from the original on 7 December 2022. Retrieved 7 December 2022.
  4. ^ "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.
  5. ^ a b c d e "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.
  6. ^ a b 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. Archived from the original on 25 June 2023. Retrieved 25 June 2023.
  7. ^ "「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.
  8. ^ a b c "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.
  9. ^ 「大阪メトロ」中央線30000A系を公開、7月デビュー予定 - 写真72枚 ["Osaka Metro" Chuo Line 30000A series unveiled, scheduled to enter service in July - 72 photos]. Mynavi News (in Japanese). Mynavi Corporation. 30 May 2022. Archived from the original on 7 June 2022. Retrieved 12 June 2022.
  10. ^ 「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.
  11. ^ "「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.
  12. ^ 「大阪メトロ」400系ローレル賞、デザイン性や多様な設備など評価 ["Osaka Metro" 400 series receives Laurel Prize for outstanding design and facilities]. Mynavi News (in Japanese). 23 May 2024. Retrieved 23 May 2024.