TRTA 01 series

Data (as of 11 Feb 2022)

History

The 01 series was developed by Teito Rapid Transit Authority (also known as Eidan) and introduced to Ginza Line. At that time, some trainsets on Ginza Line were constructed before the Second World War, which were unpopular among commuters. Hence, TRTA decided to replace all old trains with the 01 series and make services more frequent and reliable. TRTA adopted new a numbering method, calling them "0x series" (x is a single-digit number indicating the line used).

The 01 series had various new features: new traction (chopper-controlled), door opening/closing chimes, information boards with lights above doors and enhanced brakes compatible with new signalling system. The first unit was supposed to enter service in Autumn 1984, but TRTA introduced it on the very first day of the year, as there were so many enquiries from passengers about when they can got on the shining train.

38 six-carriage units were introduced in total. The first 23 units had no air-conditioning, but coolers were later installed. Surprisingly, they did not even have a heater until the very end, as Ginza Line mostly lies beneath the ground. The last two units had different bogies and traction (inverter-controlled).

The 01 series trains were replaced with 1000 series in 2013-17, but four carriages of the 01 series were resold to Kumamoto Electric Railway. Those in Kumamoto look unchanged, though they were dramatically refurbished.

Current Operations & Future Prospects

Kumamoto Electric Railway has two two-car units and uses them on the entire network (both Fujisaki and Kikuchi Lines).

Tokyo Metro preserves a three-car unit at Nakano Depot, though it is not registered for mainline use.