Kyoto City Subway 20 series

Data (as of 12 Jan 2024)

History

20 series is the new rolling stock for Karasuma Line. Kyoto City Transportation Bureau has been reluctant to introduce new trains due to severe financial difficulties, but some 10 series units have been unreliable in these days so that the Bureau had no choice but replacing them.

It is worth noting that interior is designed with traditional features in Kyoto, such as seat moquette colour and pattern as well as handles for standing passengers. Speakers automatically adjust volumes depending on how large the noise inside each carriage is. Since Karasuma Line is heavily used by tourists, even emergency announcements can be made in four languages: Japanese, English, Chinese and Korean.

Current Operations & Future Prospects

The 20 series is used on Karasuma Line including through-services to Kintetsu Kyoto Line (as far as Kintetsu-Nara). The Bureau plans to introduce nine six-carriage units in total by financial year 2025, replacing the 10 series.