Keisei 3500 series

Data (as of 6 Jul 2024)

History

The 3500 series is Keisei's first train with air conditioning. It is also the first train made of stainless steel (though partially), to meet the weight limit of bridges (air conditioning was so heavy that the train had to be lighter than others). Each unit is formed of four coaches, but designed to be able to form six easily. The series was introduced to through-services towards Toei Asakusa Line but initially not to Keikyu lines.

Many units were dramatically refurbished in 1996-2001. Front ends have been remodelled as if being completely a different train type, and become able to run Keikyu lines as well. However, the refurbishment costed more than estimated so that the company decided not to renovate all. Therefore, 10 out of 24 four-carriage units remained unchanged.

In the 2000s and 2010s, unrefurbished units had been used for stopping services on Keisei Main, Chiba (including Chihara) and Kanamachi Lines, while refurbished units were mainly used for the through-services and fast services on the Main Line. All unrefurbished units retired by 2017, and withdrawal of the refurbished units commenced in the following year.

Since 2013, a four-car refurbished unit has been leased to Shibayama Railway.

Current Operations & Future Prospects

The 3500 series trains are formed of four or six (2+4) coaches. Some four-car units have been converted to be compatible with driver-only operation since 2022. No eight-car operation in these days unless there is a lack of available train, and thus they are no longer used for the through-services.

Keisei has a plan to introduce brand new trains called 3200 series in the very near future. The 3500 series is highly likely to be replaced by them.

Photo

Unrefurbished units had a little signboard in the middle of the gangway, showing the type of service.