I recently visited the Yurikamome line for the first time in three years. What's new with this Automated Guideway Transit (AGT) in the Tokyo Bay area?
Let me quickly review the Yurikamome line to start. Yurikamome (Black-headed Gull) is a rubber-tyred AGT line connecting Shimbashi and Toyosu. There're 16 stations over the total operating length of 14.7 kilometers. The train on the line is 51.1 meters long, and consists of six cars. The power supply is 600V and 50Hz three-phase alternate current. There's no driver on the train, so, passengers can freely sit on the front seats to enjoy scenic views through the window.
Let's head to the main topic. I found that all the old trains, namely the EMU 7000 and 7200 series, had already been retired from the track. Instead, the number of the latest model, namely the 7500 series, has greatly increased. Currently, eight sets of the 7500 series are operated on the line together with the previously-existing 7300 series. Technical specifications of the 7500 series are almost the same as the 7300 series, but a different point from the 7300 series is the frontal design. You can see blue-colored "driver-less operation lights". They are lighted when the train is operated in driver-less operation mode.
When I stopped by Ariake-tennis-no-mori station, the 7500 series train arrived at the station. I found a little rail-fan standing on the front seat of the train. He was all smiles, and taking in a scenic overlook of the front view. Enjoy your time!
