Osaka Metro 400 series
Japanese electric multiple unit train type
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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.
| Osaka Metro 400 series | |
|---|---|
A 400 series set in November 2023 | |
| In service | 25 June 2023 – present |
| Manufacturer | Hitachi Rail[1] |
| Designer | Ken Okuyama |
| Assembly | Kasado[1] |
| Replaced | |
| Constructed | 2022– |
| Number under construction | 78 vehicles (13 sets) |
| Number built | 60 vehicles (10 sets) as of December 2023[update][2] |
| Formation | 6 cars per set |
| Capacity | |
| Operator |  Osaka Metro |
| Lines served | |
| Specifications | |
| Car body construction | Aluminium |
| Electric systems | 750 V DC third rail |
| Current collection | Contact shoe |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge |
Operations
A total of 23 six-car sets are due to be introduced ahead of the 2025 World Expo,[4] and to replace the 20 and 24 series trainsets currently in use on the Chūō Line.[5] The 400 series is the first new Osaka Metro rolling stock type to be ordered following the privatization of the Osaka Municipal Transportation Bureau.[6]
Design
The design of the 400 series was overseen by Ken Okuyama.[3]
Exterior
The exterior design of the 400 series is intended to resemble that of a spaceship,[5] featuring an octagonal front end and headlight clusters at each of the four corners.[3] 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".[7] In addition, the train type has a lower floor height than its predecessors, as well as more clearly marked priority seating.[8] The sets use aluminium for body construction.[3]
Interior
The interior incorporates calm color palette, and the longitudinal seats use a varied color palette.[8]
Passenger accommodation consists of longitudinal seating throughout, except for one car, which features transverse seating.[5] Priority seating is provided.[8] Passenger information displays are provided, displaying information in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean.[5]
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.[2]: 3
The luggage racks are 10 millimetres (0.39 in) lower than those of other train types.[3]
Interior
Priority seating
Wheelchair space at left
Transverse seating
LCD information display
Driver's cab
Formation
The sets are formed as follows.[3]
| 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.[5] Production of the 400 series fleet commenced[1] in 2022,[9] and the first set was delivered from Hitachi's Kasado plant in October of that year.[1] On 7 December 2022, Osaka Metro unveiled the first 400 series to the press.[3]
It was originally intended that the 400 series would enter service in April 2023;[10] however, its introduction was deferred to 25 June.[6] Of the 23 sets to be produced, 12 were expected to enter service in fiscal 2023.[11]
On 23 May 2024, the 400 series received the Laurel Prize, presented annually by the Japan Railfan Club.[12]
