Search the Community

My local line is starting to see some changes, namely the upcoming installation of platform doors and ATO operation. First of all, the old rolling stock was retired last month. Small rather handmade-like notice of the retirement event: Balises for the ATO system were installed several months ago. Recently the platform edges have been marked for the installation of the platform doors: Posters announcing the change in stopping points at stations and changes in the timetable. Headways will be shorter, but the time stopped at each station will be longer, thanks to ATO operation.

Sapporo City Transportation Bureau announced Oct. 31 that new rolling stock for the Toho Line, designated the 9000 series, will begin operation next year in April. The new sets will begin to be delivered to the Toho Line depot next month from KHI Hyogo. A total of 80 cars, arranged in 4 car sets of 20, will be delivered by FY2016. The new units will be fitted for ATO/DOO, in conjunction with platform door installation on the Toho Line. They will be equipped with VVVF inverters and interior LED lighting. Bogies and portions of the couplers from current Toho Line stock will be reused on the new units to reduce costs. In addition to emergency escape ladders fitted on the cab car ends, ladders will also be fitted to the middle cars. Interior fittings will employ "universal design" principles to create a barrier free passenger experience. http://response.jp/article/2014/11/04/236554.html http://news.mynavi.jp/news/2014/11/04/426/