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 | |
|---|---|
 A 400 series set in November 2023 | |
| In service | 25 June 2023 – present |
| Manufacturer | Hitachi Rail[1] |
| Designer | Ken Okuyama |
| Assembly | Kasado[1] |
| Replaced | |
| Constructed | 2022– |
| Number under construction | 24 vehicles (4 sets) |
| Number built | 114 vehicles (19 sets) as of December 2024[update][2] |
| Formation | 6 cars per set |
| Capacity | |
| Operators |  Osaka Metro |
| Lines served | |
| 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
editA 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
editThe design of the 400 series was overseen by Ken Okuyama.[3]
Exterior
editThe 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
editThe 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 -
Priority seating -
Wheelchair space at left -
Transverse seating -
LCD information display -
Driver's cab
Formation
editThe sets are formed as follows.[3]
| Numbering | 409-01 | 402-01 | 403-01 | 408-01 | 401-01 | 406-01 |
|---|
History
editThe 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
edit- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "「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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 「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.
- ^ 「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.
External links
edit- Official press release (in Japanese)
Media related to Osaka Metro 400 series at Wikimedia Commons
