Sunday 31 January 2016

The New 10000 Series on the Green Line

EMU Yokohama Municipal Subway 10000 series (2nd batch) arrives at Center-minami Station

I visited the Green Line of the Yokohama Municipal Subway for the first time in four years. What is news with this growing subway line?

I found that the new train, set number 10161F of the EMU 10000 series, had been introduced on the line. It is one of the second batch trains of the 10000 series, launched in 2015. What is the difference between the first and the second batch of the 10000 series? Regarding the outer design, I found a green stripe on the front of the second batch train; meanwhile, the first batch ones don't have such a stripe. I also found that the second batch train has a large interior LCD monitor above each door. It displays operational information, such as train destination and next station.

For your information, the Green Line was opened in 2008 as the second subway route in Yokohama City. Connecting Nakayama on the JR East Yokohama Line and Hiyoshi on the Tokyu Toyoko Line, there are ten stations over the 13.1 km-long route. Linear motor technology is adopted for the train driving system, so, you can see a reaction plate between the two rails. A linear motor is an electric motor that doesn't have a shaft. This technology allowed downsizing of the tunnel section.

Opinions on the "combat robot-like" train face are divided among rail-fans. It is quite unique, but not my cup of tea to be honest.

EMU Yokohama Municipal Subway 10000 series (2nd batch) travels on the Green Line