TRTA 5000 series
Data (as of 11 Feb 2022)
| Status: | Extinct |
| Constructed in: | 1964-69, 1977-81 |
| Number built: | 428 |
| Retired in: | 2014 |
History
The 5000 series was developed by Teito Rapid Transit Authority (also known as Eidan), and introduced to Tozai and the Chiyoda Lines. Since through-services towards Japanese National Railways were planned on both lines, the 5000 series was larger than other TRTA rolling stock: each carriage was 20 metres (66 ft) long with four pairs of doors, just like JNR commuter trains. Bodies of most carriages were made of stainless steel (frames were carbon steel), but 21 carriages had bodies made of aluminium.
The 5000 series was initially introduced to the Tozai Line when it was opened. Each unit was formed of three coaches at first, but soon became seven, eight or nine, and finally ten coaches. In 1966, through-services to Ogikubo on the Chuo Line began. Three years later, the through-services were extended to Mitaka on the Chuo Line and Tsudanuma on the Sobu Line. Due to significant increase in demand, TRTA ordered even more units in the 1970s and 80s. In 1996, the 5000 series entered through-services to the Toyo Rapid Line.
TRTA also introduced the 5000 series to the Chiyoda Line in 1969-70 and 1979. At that time, TRTA had been struggling to develop new traction technology, which was later installed to 6000 series. Hence, some 5000 series trainsets were used as a stopgap. They were also used for through-services towards the Joban Line, but all except two three-carriage units were reallocated to the Tozai Line by 1981.
Many 5000 series were refurbished with air-conditioning, but withdrawal commenced in 1991 as TRTA introduced 05 series to the Tozai Line. Some of them were resold to Toyo Rapid Railway, renamed 1000 series. Both the TRTA 5000 series and Toyo Rapid 1000 series worked together on the Tozai and Toyo Rapid Lines until 2007.
As noted above, the 5000 series trains on the Chiyoda Line were mostly replaced with the 6000 series by 1981, but two three-car units remained on the Kita-ayase branch line. They were replaced with other younger 5000 series units in 1999, then they were withdrawn in 2014.
Some TRTA 5000 series and Toyo Rapid 1000 series were exported to Indonesia.