Japan: Private passenger operator Seibu Railway has unveiled the first rubber-tyred L00 series trainset built by Mitsubishi. Meanwhile, fellow private operator Sagami Railway (Sotetsu) has showcased the first 13000 series set from J-TREC. Both trains are due to enter service by late March.
The four-car L00 set accommodates up to 436 passengers, 58 of them seated. Bodyshells are aluminium alloy. Intermediate cars are powered, each fitted with an IGBT transistor inverter and two asynchronous motors totalling 220 kW. The train reaches 60 km/h and features the automated A-MVCS control and monitoring system.
Seibu Railway has ordered three such sets from the Japanese manufacturer, slated for the Yamaguchi Line in Greater Tokyo between 2026 and 2027. They will fully replace the series 8500 trains, built by Niigata Iron Works and in service since 1985. The new rolling stock offers greater capacity, smoother and quieter running, and an improved air-conditioning system.
13000 series EMU from J-TREC for the Yokohama suburbs. Source: Travel Watch
The eight-car 13000 series Sustina family set closely resembles the series 12000 in operation since 2019. Differences include reduced formation length by two cars, revised cab front design, repositioned end doors for platform screen door compatibility, and provision for single-driver operation. Bodyshells are stainless steel.
Half the cars are motored, with traction equipment from Mitsubishi. One IGBT inverter powers four 140 kW asynchronous motors. Total power output is 2,240 kW, with a top speed of 120 km/h. There are 396 seats, and maximum capacity reaches 1,644 passengers.
The new fleet will replace series 8000 and 9000 EMUs on the Sotetsu network in the Yokohama suburbs, built by Hitachi Rail and Tokyu Car (now J-TREC) in the 1990s. The number of series 13000 sets ordered has not been disclosed.
