Kotoden 600 and 700 series

Data (as of 29 Nov 2025)

History

The 600 and 700 series were converted from various trains used on the Higashiyama and Meijo Lines of Nagoya Municipal Subway, which were called "Yellow Trains". Each carriage was less than 16 metres (53 ft) long so that those underground trains were overwhelmed by commuters at peak times. Transportation Bureau of Nagoya City withdrew them by 2000.

Meanwhile, Kotoden had been using obsolete trains on the Nagao and Shido Lines, many of which were built in the 1920s and 30s. Trains on these lines had to be smaller than usual due to short platforms and other poor facilities. Since Kotoden was on the verge of defunct at that time, they could not afford brand new trains, and thus purchased those ex-Nagoya underground trains.

Upon reintroduction, all carriages were refurbished with air-conditioners, new traction and brakes. Accommodation was also dramatically renovated. They were reintroduced to the Nagao and Shido Lines, but most of those for the Nagao Line were reallocated to the Shido Line following introduction of 1200 series and 1300 series. Each unit initially consisted of two coaches, but some units on the Shido Line were later divided and now they are used as spare carriages to form three coaches. Two redundant units were reallocated to the Kotohira Line.

The 600 and 700 series are mostly the same except front ends. All 600 series were converted from intermediate carriages, while the 700 series have been genuine front carriages.

Current Operations & Future Prospects

The 600 series are used on the entire Kotoden network, but those on the Kotohira Line are used only between Takamatsu-Chikko and Ichinomiya at peak times. Some services on the Shido Line are formed of three coaches. Two units of the 700 series are used only on the Shido Line.

The company has adopted driver-only operation on the Shido Line in 2022, and spare carriages have been used rarely these days.

Photos

Two units on the Kotohira Line are usually formed of four coaches.

A unit for the Nagao Line.

The 700 series on the Shido Line.