On February 11th, 2018, Sagami Railway (Sotetsu) launched the first set of a new commuter train, the EMU 20000 series. It was the first introduction of a new model in almost nine years. The 20000 series will be directly operated onto the Tokyu line in the future.
What was the background of this new model introduction?
Railway business competition in the Tokyo metropolitan area is fierce. The railway companies have to provide against future depopulation in the area. In other words, they have to think deeply about what particular investment would be the most effective. Sotetsu's weakness is their railway network. Sotetsu trains don't run into downtown Tokyo, so that they should construct a connecting line from their Nishiya station to the existing Tokyu line to enhance convenience for passengers. Their goal is to operate direct access trains to downtown Tokyo via the Tokyu line using the 20000 series.
The 20000 series has slightly narrower bodies than those of the existing Sotetsu trains, because the limit of the vehicles on the Tokyu line is slightly narrower than those of the Sotetsu lines. The frontal design of the 20000 series is quite unique. It looks like the latest automobile front grille. It is flashy, but not exactly my cup of tea to be honest. I am a bit afraid that the novelty of the frontal design will soon pall on the passengers.
The connecting route between the Sotetsu and the Tokyu lines will be opened in 2022.
What was the background of this new model introduction?
Railway business competition in the Tokyo metropolitan area is fierce. The railway companies have to provide against future depopulation in the area. In other words, they have to think deeply about what particular investment would be the most effective. Sotetsu's weakness is their railway network. Sotetsu trains don't run into downtown Tokyo, so that they should construct a connecting line from their Nishiya station to the existing Tokyu line to enhance convenience for passengers. Their goal is to operate direct access trains to downtown Tokyo via the Tokyu line using the 20000 series.
The 20000 series has slightly narrower bodies than those of the existing Sotetsu trains, because the limit of the vehicles on the Tokyu line is slightly narrower than those of the Sotetsu lines. The frontal design of the 20000 series is quite unique. It looks like the latest automobile front grille. It is flashy, but not exactly my cup of tea to be honest. I am a bit afraid that the novelty of the frontal design will soon pall on the passengers.
The connecting route between the Sotetsu and the Tokyu lines will be opened in 2022.
Official information about the EMU Sotetsu 20000 series (in Japanese):
https://www.sotetsu.co.jp/design-pj/20000/
https://www.sotetsu.co.jp/design-pj/20000/