Osaka Municipal Subway 20 series

Japanese train type

  • Chūō Line
  • C Kintetsu Keihanna Line
  • Tanimachi Line
SpecificationsCar body constructionAluminium alloyDoors4 pairs per sideMaximum speed95 km/h (59 mph)Traction systemGTO–VVVF (as built)[1]
IGBT–VVVF (after refurbishment)Electric system(s)750 V DCCurrent collector(s)Third rail contact shoesSafety system(s)WS-ATCTrack gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in)

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.

Design

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

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

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]

  • Interior of a 20 series car
    Interior of a 20 series car
  • Priority seating of a 20 series car
    Priority seating of a 20 series car

References

  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.
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