Tobu 80000 series

Tobu 80000 series
In serviceScheduled for mid-2025
ManufacturerKinki Sharyo
Replaced
Number under construction125 vehicles (25 sets)[a]
Formation5 cars per trainset
OperatorsTobu Railway
Lines servedTD Urban Park Line

The Tobu 80000 series (Japanese: 東武80000系, romanizedTōbu 80000-kei) is a commuter electric multiple unit (EMU) train type on order by the private railway operator Tobu Railway in Japan. Twenty-five 5-car sets are to be built.

Overview

Details of the 80000 series trains on order were first announced in April 2024.[1] In light of declining ridership on the Tobu Urban Park Line following the COVID-19 pandemic, Tobu Railway decided to reduce train capacity (from 6-car sets to 5-car sets) instead of reducing frequency.[2]

The 80000 series is slated to replace ageing 8000 and 10000 series EMUs, which were relegated from services on busier lines. The 25 sets will be built by Kinki Sharyo. Seven sets will be entirely new-build, and the remainder will be built as 4-car sets, each receiving a modified 60000 series intermediate car to form a 5-car set.[3]

The trains will use a traction system incorporating synchronous reluctance motors, a first for major private railways in Japan.[4]

Design

The 80000 series will use the same body construction as that of the 60000 series, although the type will incorporate a curved front-end design.[3] Cars will carry a "future blue" and "bright green" livery.[1]

Notes

  1. ^ Includes eighteen 60000 series intermediate cars to be modified.

References

  1. ^ a b 東武野田線に新形車両「80000系」を導入 [Tobu Noda Line to introduce new "80000 series" trains]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha. 16 April 2024. Archived from the original on 17 April 2024. Retrieved 17 April 2024.
  2. ^ 「東武野田線」が“激進化” 新型車両や主要駅の改良も 今後どう変わる? ["Tobu Noda Line" undergoes a "drastic evolution" with new trains and improvements to major stations. How will it change in the future?]. Traffic News (in Japanese). 30 May 2023. Archived from the original on 31 May 2023. Retrieved 17 April 2024.
  3. ^ a b 東武野田線“新車”導入で大変化! 残る古い車両はどうなる? 東武鉄道に聞く [Tobu Noda Line to undergo major changes with the introduction of new rolling stock! But what will happen with the old trains?]. Traffic News (in Japanese). 17 April 2024. Archived from the original on 16 April 2024. Retrieved 17 April 2024.
  4. ^ 東武アーバンパークラインに5両の新型車両80000系「たのしーと」も [Tobu Urban Park Line to introduce new 5-car 80000 series "Tanoshito" trains]. Mynavi News (in Japanese). 16 April 2024. Archived from the original on 17 April 2024. Retrieved 17 April 2024.