Sotetsu 20000 and 21000 series
Data (as of 12 Jan 2024)
| Status: | Least Concern |
| Constructed in: | 2017-23 |
| Number built: | 142 |
| Registered: | 142 |
History
The 20000 series was developed for through-services towards Tokyu Meguro and Toyoko Lines. Since the through-services will include underground (Tokyo Metro Namboku Line and Toei Mita Line), there is a gangway for emergency use in the middle of the front end. Ten-carriage units are simply named the 20000 series, while eight-car units are numbered 21000 series.
The first unit of the 20000 series entered service in 2018, five years before the launch of through-services. According to Sotetsu, both the company and the manufacturer were expected to be so busy to introduce 12000 series in the following year that they decided to start using the 20000 series earlier than initially planned. Six more 20000 series units were delivered in 2020-21, replacing some old trains (8000 series and 9000 series).
Current Operations & Future Prospects
The 20000 series trains are used on the entire Sotetsu network as well as for through-services towards Tokyu lines. The 20000 series (10 coaches) runs Tokyu Toyoko Line, and by extension, Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line. The 21000 series (8 coaches) is for through-services towards Tokyu Meguro, Tokyo Metro Namboku (by extension, Saitama Railway) and Toei Mita Lines. The 20000 series can run Yurakucho Line in case of severe service disruption.