The trains in Tokyo are constantly changing. Whenever I get news such as debuting new models, retiring old models and renovating deteriorated models, I cannot take my eyes away from the kaleidoscopic changes. Tokyo Monorail is no exception. What is the news with this company? They are renovating their old model named the EMU 2000 series.
The 2000 series was launched in 1997, when the extension route between Haneda Airport (present Haneda Airport Terminal 1) and Haneda Airport Terminal 2 stations was opened. A total of four sets, 24 units, have been built by Hitachi. One set is composed of four motor cars and two trailers. The 2000 series is the company's first model with VVVF inverter electric control (variable frequency drive) system. The seats consist of both cross and long ones. The maximum operating speed is 80 km/hour.
Eighteen years later, the company started the renovation of the 2000 series. For instance, the color design of the bodies was changed from white with blue and red colored stripes to white with light green and light blue colors on the doors and the roofs. Currently, we can see both new and old colored trains on the track.
In the meantime, Tokyo Monorail Company belongs to JR East group. They have a 17.8 km-long route named the Haneda Airport Line between Hamamatsucho and Haneda Airport Terminal 2. The "Haneda Express" train connects Hamamatsucho and Haneda Airport International Terminal without stopping in only thirteen minutes.
The 2000 series was launched in 1997, when the extension route between Haneda Airport (present Haneda Airport Terminal 1) and Haneda Airport Terminal 2 stations was opened. A total of four sets, 24 units, have been built by Hitachi. One set is composed of four motor cars and two trailers. The 2000 series is the company's first model with VVVF inverter electric control (variable frequency drive) system. The seats consist of both cross and long ones. The maximum operating speed is 80 km/hour.
Eighteen years later, the company started the renovation of the 2000 series. For instance, the color design of the bodies was changed from white with blue and red colored stripes to white with light green and light blue colors on the doors and the roofs. Currently, we can see both new and old colored trains on the track.
In the meantime, Tokyo Monorail Company belongs to JR East group. They have a 17.8 km-long route named the Haneda Airport Line between Hamamatsucho and Haneda Airport Terminal 2. The "Haneda Express" train connects Hamamatsucho and Haneda Airport International Terminal without stopping in only thirteen minutes.
Official guide of Tokyo Monorail:
Official Gallery of Tokyo Monorail (in Japanese):