Following the Green Line of Yokohama Municipal Subway, I visited the other municipal railway, Nippopri-Toneri Liner, for the first time in four years.
Nippori-Toneri Liner is operated by the Transportation Bureau of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. It was opened in 2008 to solve the "isolated island (blank area of railways)" problem in the northern part of the Tokyo Metropolis. Connecting Nippori in the downtown area and Minumadai-shinsuikouen, its operating length is 9.7 km. The route is known as the fifth AGT (Automated Guide way Transit) line in the Tokyo metropolitan area.
What is new with this new line? I found a new model EMU 330 series on the track. The 330 series was launched in 2015 to reinforce the transportation capacity of the line. Currently, one set, 31F, is operated, but one more set, namely 32F, is planned to launch this year.
What is the difference between the old model (the 300 series) and the new model (the 330 series)? The major difference is the material of the bodies. The 300 series is stainless-steel; meanwhile, the 330 series is made of aluminum alloy. It means that the 330 series has reduced vehicle body weight, and saves on operating costs.
With regard to the outer design, it is a difficult to comment for me. Personally speaking, I prefer the old 300 series to be honest, as it has more futuristic look. Good design and low cost... it is difficult to butter on both sides of the bread.
Nippori-Toneri Liner is operated by the Transportation Bureau of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. It was opened in 2008 to solve the "isolated island (blank area of railways)" problem in the northern part of the Tokyo Metropolis. Connecting Nippori in the downtown area and Minumadai-shinsuikouen, its operating length is 9.7 km. The route is known as the fifth AGT (Automated Guide way Transit) line in the Tokyo metropolitan area.
What is new with this new line? I found a new model EMU 330 series on the track. The 330 series was launched in 2015 to reinforce the transportation capacity of the line. Currently, one set, 31F, is operated, but one more set, namely 32F, is planned to launch this year.
What is the difference between the old model (the 300 series) and the new model (the 330 series)? The major difference is the material of the bodies. The 300 series is stainless-steel; meanwhile, the 330 series is made of aluminum alloy. It means that the 330 series has reduced vehicle body weight, and saves on operating costs.
With regard to the outer design, it is a difficult to comment for me. Personally speaking, I prefer the old 300 series to be honest, as it has more futuristic look. Good design and low cost... it is difficult to butter on both sides of the bread.
