Osaka Municipal Subway 20 series

The Osaka Municipal Subway 20 series (大阪市交通局20系) was a rapid transit electric multiple unit (EMU) train type operated by Osaka Municipal Subway (now Osaka Metro) in Japan between 1984 and 2024.

Osaka Municipal Subway 20 series
A 20 series trainset on the Kintetsu Keihanna Line in December 2023
In service1984–March 2024
ManufacturerHitachi, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Kinki Sharyo, Tokyu Car Corporation
Constructed1984–1989
Entered service24 December 1984
Number built96 vehicles (16 sets)[1]
Number in serviceNone
Formation6 cars per trainset
Fleet numbers2601–2607, 2631–2639[2]
OperatorsOsaka Municipal Transportation Bureau (1984–2018)
Osaka Metro (2018–2024)
DepotsMorinomiya
Lines served
Specifications
Car body constructionAluminium alloy
Doors4 pairs per side
Maximum speed95 km/h (59 mph)
Traction systemGTOVVVF (as built)[1]
IGBT–VVVF (after refurbishment)
Electric system(s)750 V DC
Current collector(s)Third rail contact shoes
Safety system(s)WS-ATC
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+12 in)

Design

edit

The trains have aluminium bodies.[2] The 20 series was the first train type powered by a third rail to use variable-frequency drive (VVVF) technology from new.[3] They were also the first trains on the Chuo and Tanimachi lines to include air-conditioning from new.[4]

History

edit

The first set, 2601, was built on 25 March 1984, entering revenue service on the Chuo Line on 24 December of the same year.[2] Four additional sets were built in 1985 to complement the opening of the Chuo Line extension to Nagata.[1] In 1989, eleven more sets were built of which nine of them were allocated to the Tanimachi Line.[1]

From 2004, in preparation for the opening of the Keihanna Line extension to Gakken Nara-Tomigaoka in 2006, all 20 series sets were retrofitted with IGBT-based traction control systems and the maximum speed of all trains was increased from 70 km/h (43 mph) to 95 km/h (59 mph).[1] In addition, all Tanimachi Line sets were transferred to the Chuo Line in March 2006 in exchange for nine 24 series sets which were redeployed on the Tanimachi Line.[2]

Withdrawal

edit

Retirement of the 20 series fleet began in 2014 with the first set being removed from service on 21 August.[5] It was replaced by a 24 series set that was transferred from the Yotsubashi Line.[6] With the introduction of new 30000A series and 400 series EMUs, withdrawals of 20 series sets continued in August 2022.[2] The last run took place on 20 March 2024.[7]

edit

References

edit
  1. ^ a b c d e "大阪メトロ中央線「20系」は何が特別だったのか" [What was so special about the Osaka Metro Chuo Line "20 Series"?]. Toyo Keizai Online (in Japanese). Japan. 20 March 2024. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d e "残りわずか3本!3月で引退する地下鉄初のVVVF車 大阪メトロ(旧:大阪市営地下鉄)中央線20系(清水要)" [Only 3 left! The first VVVF subway car, Osaka Metro (formerly Osaka Municipal Subway) Chuo Line 20 Series, to be retired in March]. Yahoo News (in Japanese). 4 January 2024. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  3. ^ "残り4編成!中央線の旧型車両が2024年3月終焉へ 最後に驚愕のイベントも" [Only 4 trains left! Old model trains on the Chuo Line to be phased out in March 2024, with a surprising event at the end]. Traffic News (in Japanese). Japan: Mediavague Co., Ltd. 30 November 2023. Retrieved 5 September 2024.
  4. ^ "大阪市交通局 現有車両プロフィール" [Osaka Municipal Transportation Bureau current vehicle profile]. Railroad Pictorial (in Japanese). 744 (March 2004 Special Issue). Japan: Electric Vehicle Research Group: 164. 2004.
  5. ^ "『保存車両特別公開 in 森之宮検車場』開催" [“Special exhibition of preserved vehicles at Morinomiya Inspection Depot” held]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 25 August 2014. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  6. ^ "大阪市交24系24656編成が試運転" [Osaka Municipal Subway 24 series set 24656 undergoes test run]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 4 October 2014. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  7. ^ "「大阪メトロ」中央線20系、2024年3月引退 - さよならイベント開催" [Osaka Metro Chuo Line 20 Series to retire in March 2024 - Farewell event to be held]. Mynavi News (in Japanese). Japan: Mynavi Corporation. 28 November 2023. Retrieved 6 September 2024.