Toei Orders Linear-motor Subway Rolling Stock

Tokyo, May 26, 2016 - Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. announced today that it has received an order from the Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation (Toei) for 88 linear-motor subway cars to be used on the Oedo Subway Line. The total order amounted to approximately 16 billion yen, and the subway cars will be built at Kawasaki's Hyogo Works in Kobe City and delivered upon completion from FY 2018 to FY 2020.

Toei ordered the new subway trains to replace its aging rolling stock, and also as part of a facility expansion plan in response to increased ridership. The new train interiors will feature large LCD monitors nears the doors to display service-related and other information to passengers as well as barrier-free design incorporating wheelchair spaces and other design features intended to improve overall customer service quality.

Linear-motor subway trains use linear induction motors and reaction plates mounted between the rails, wherein attractive and repulsive forces between these two elements propel the train along the tracks. This arrangement also makes it possible to navigate steep grades and sharp curves. Furthermore, the lower overall vehicle height of the trains enables smaller subway tunnel cross-sections.

In the past, Kawasaki has provided linear-motor cars to other lines including the Osaka Municipal Subway's Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line, Kobe Municipal Subway's Kaigan Line, and Yokohama Municipal Subway's Green Line. Kawasaki's last order from Toei was for two 8-car 12-600 series trains for the Oedo Subway Line, which were delivered in 2011.

Based on advanced technological capabilities and highly reliable products and services, Kawasaki will continue to provide trains, an environmentally friendly mode of transportation, to customers around the world.

Overview of Rolling Stock