Iyotetsu 2000 series

Data (as of 12 Jan 2024)

History

Iyotetsu 2000 series was transferred from Kyoto City Tram in 1979.

Kyoto Municipal Transportation Bureau introduced six 2000 series in 1964-65, which were the last brand-new trams for Kyoto City Tram. At that time, the number of passengers was increasing while there was no plan of constructing other means of railway, the Bureau had to introduce trams to ease congestion. They were allocated to Karasuma Depot and mostly used for Route 4 (anti-clockwise loop service started from Kyoto Station, towards Shijo Karasuma, Karasuma Shako-mae, Kinkakuji-mae, Nishioji Nanajo, Nanajo Karasuma and Kyoto Station again), forming two coaches at peak hours. The Bureau planned to introduce 14 more trams, but could not because of lack of funding. They were withdrawn in 1977, a year before permanent closure of Kyoto City Tram.

Iyotetsu purchased five out of six 2000 series, and converted them with new wheels and motors. Since the 2000 series was similar to 50 series, Iyotetsu had little trouble to have the 2000 series. Five trams were reintroduced in 1979, and they were refurbished with new traction and air-conditioner. Despite being more than 55 years old, Iyotetsu has no plan of replacing the 2000 series.

Current Operations & Future Prospects

The 2000 series is used on the entire tram network in Matsuyama city except Hommachi Line (Route 6).

Photo

The new orange livery.