Saturday, 16 November 2019

EMU 3100 Series: New Model on the Keisei Line

EMU Keisei 3100 series travels on the Hokuso line

On October 26th, Keisei Electric Railway launched a brand new train named the EMU 3100 series. Introduction of the new model was for the first time in 9 years on the Keisei line. The 3100 series is operated as an "Access Express" train between the New Tokyo International Airport (Narita) and the Tokyo International Airport (Haneda) via the Hokuso, Toei-Asakusa and the Keikyu lines. What is new with the 3100 series?

Firstly, flip-up type luggage storage is equipped on each car. The storage is used for passenger seats, if no luggage is on the car. It is structurally rational and quite useful for tourists. Secondly, the free Wi-Fi system is equipped on the train. It is convenient especially for inbound passengers. Thirdly, you can see orange colored stripes on the bodies. It is totally different from the other existing Keisei trains, and effective in order to prevent mistaken boarding. With regard to the technical specifications, the 3100 series has a brand new SiC-VVVF (silicon carbide-variable frequency drive) inverter electric control system. The new system comes with a fifteen-percent improvement in its electric power consumption performance over the previous IGBT-VVVF inverter electric control system.

Different from Keisei Skyliner and JR East Narita Express, "Access Express" requires no extra charge. It is good news for young passengers. Keisei plans to introduce a total of 2 sets, 16 cars, of the 3100 series by the end of March 2020, and will continue to introduce it as well from 2021 on.

EMU Keisei 3100 series stands at Oshiage station

Official information about the Keisei trains (in Japanese):
Official information about the EMU Keisei 3100 series (in Japanese):