Seibu 30000 series Smile Train
Data (as of 21 Dec 2024)
Status: | Least Concern |
Constructed in: | 2008-16 |
Number built: | 216 |
Registered: | 216 |
History
The 30000 series is a commuter train type that replaced three-door commuter trains (101 series and 3000 series). The design was modelled after egg, and officially called Smile Train. The series was awarded the Kids Design Award by a non-profit organisation Kids Design Association, for the first time in the railway history. Furthermore, the series has been a symbol of Seibu Group, as it was adopted to a logo commemorating the 100th anniversary of the railway and a uniform of its professional baseball team.
Six ten and two-carriage units and 18 eight-car units were introduced to Seibu Shinjuku and Ikebukuro Lines. Two-car units join eight-car units to form ten coaches. Two-car units can also form four coaches but it is extremely rare in these days.
Current Operations & Future Prospects
The 30000 series trains are used mainly on Seibu Shinjuku and Ikebukuro Lines, with some on relevant branch lines. They never run Seibu Tamagawa, Kokubunji, Yurakucho and Yamaguchi Lines.