Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. has received an order from Seibu Railway Co., Ltd. for three sets of new transit system trains (12 cars) for Seibu Railway’s Yamaguchi Line. This is the first order for new transit system trains from Seibu Railway. As the first new trains in 40 years for the Yamaguchi Line, the trains will contribute to further strengthening transport capacity and improving convenience.
The Seibu Yamaguchi Line connects three stations, from Tamako Station in Higashimurayama, Tokyo to Seibukyujo-mae Station in Tokorozawa, Saitama, and is located along the line, where Seibu Group’s large-scale leisure facilities such as Belluna Dome and Seibuen Amusement Park are located. The new trains will be manufactured to replace the existing 8500 series trains currently operating on the line. They will be delivered in stages from 2025 to 2027. The new trains will change the seats from the 8500 series cross seats to long seats, thereby enhancing transportation capacity to Belluna Dome and Seibuen Amusement Park. In addition, wheelchair spaces, child seats, and in-car information displays will be installed to meet the needs of diverse passengers and improve convenience.
The first train set (note) will have a design inspired by the Saitama Seibu Lions, whose home stadium is the Belluna Dome, and the interior will also have a color scheme inspired by the Lions. The side of the front car will feature a large logo of Leo, the Lions’ official mascot, which is expected to lift the spirits of passengers heading to the Belluna Dome to cheer on the team.
This new transportation system uses rubber tires, which allows for smooth running and low noise. Furthermore, since the vehicles are powered by electric motors rather than internal combustion engines, it is a clean mobility system that emits less CO2 and reduces the environmental impact towards a carbon-free, energy-saving society. The delivery of vehicles that combine such excellent design and environmental performance will also contribute to improving the image of surrounding facilities.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Group will continue to cooperate with its service bases in countries around the world to provide high-value-added services that meet customer needs. Furthermore, through the delivery of new transportation systems, which are clean means of transportation with low CO2 emmission, the Group aims to address and provide solutions to regional issues, such as economic development and improved transportation convenience around the world, while also contributing to the realization of a carbon-neutral society.
SOURCE: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
