Keikyu 2000 series

Data (as of 3 Feb 2023)

History

The 2000 series was developed for limited express services, with transverse seating and two sets of doors per carriage. The maximum speed of the series was 130 km/h (81 mph), far faster than any other rolling stock at that time (though the speed was restricted to 120 km/h or 75 mph during passenger service). There was no gangway at the front end so that the series was not allowed to enter Toei Asakusa Line (underground). The 2000 series trains were famous of being the most comfortable and quiet train on Keikyu lines.

They had mainly been used for limited express services on Main and Kurihama Lines until 2000. They were also allocated to Wing, all-reserved limited express services for commuters going home from Shinagawa. They could not couple with other types, but later their couplers were changed so that the 2000 series could be joined to 1500 series and newer trains, to form 12 coaches.

In 1998-2000, the 2000 series trains were dramatically converted from transverse to longitudinal seating with three sets of doors per carriage, as 2100 series was introduced. The livery was changed as well to red with white bands. The 2000 series, particularly eight-car units, became redundant for the next ten years, and used only during peak hours. They were fully reinstated in 2010 when >Airport Express service was commenced.

As their conditions were far worse than 800 series and had low acceleration, all 2000 series units were withdrawn by 2018 despite being younger than the 800 series. Three carriages have been stored at Kurihama Factory, but it is not certain whether it is preserved or not.

Photos

Four-carriage units were mostly used for limited express service during peak hours, joined to other eight-car trains to form twelve coaches.

The first eight-car unit was restored to the original livery in 2013.