| Osaka Metro 400 series | |
|---|---|
 A 400 series set in November 2023 | |
| In service | 25 June 2023 – present |
| Manufacturer | Hitachi Rail |
| Designer | Ken Okuyama |
| Assembly | Kasado |
| Replaced | |
| Constructed | 2022– |
| Number under construction | 78 vehicles (13 sets) |
| Number built | 60 vehicles (10 sets) as of December 2023 |
| 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 |
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, and to replace the 20 and 24 series trainsets currently in use on the Chuo Line. The 400 series is the first new Osaka Metro rolling stock type to be ordered following the privatization of the Osaka Municipal Transportation Bureau.
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, 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". In addition, the train type has a lower floor height than its predecessors, as well as more clearly marked priority seating. The sets use aluminium for body construction.
Interior
The interior incorporates calm color palette, and the longitudinal seats use a varied color palette.
Passenger accommodation consists of longitudinal seating throughout, except for one car, which features transverse seating. Priority seating is provided. Passenger information displays are provided, displaying information in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean.
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.
The luggage racks are 10 millimetres (0.39 in) lower than those of other train types.
-
Interior
-
Priority seating
-
Wheelchair space at left
-
Transverse seating
-
LCD information display
-
Driver's cab
Formation
The sets are formed as follows.
| 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. Production of the 400 series fleet commenced in 2022, and the first set was delivered from Hitachi's Kasado plant in October of that year. 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; however, its introduction into service was delayed until 25 June 2023. Of the 23 sets to be produced, 12 sets are expected to enter service in fiscal 2023.
On 23 May 2024, the 400 series received the Laurel Prize, presented annually by the Japan Railfan Club.
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.
- ^ ｢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.
- ^ "「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.
- "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. 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.
- ^ "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」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.
- 「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
- Official press release (in Japanese)
Media related to Osaka Metro 400 series at Wikimedia Commons
| Osaka Metro trainsets | ||
|---|---|---|
| Midōsuji Line |  | |
| Tanimachi Line | ||
| Yotsubashi Line | ||
| Chūō Line | ||
| Sennichimae Line | ||
| Sakaisuji Line | ||
| Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line | ||
| Imazatosuji Line | ||
| Withdrawn | ||