One year has passed since the Tokyu-Shinyokohama line was inaugurated. I recently visited this new route again for the first time in a year.
Let me quickly review the Tokyu-Shinyokohama line. It's a connecting line between the Tokyu and the Sotetsu lines. Connecting Hiyoshi and Shinyokohama, the total operating length is 5.8 kilometers. The track is double and almost the entire route is underground. All trains are directly operated onto the Tokyu-Toyoko and Meguro lines via Hiyoshi station. On the other hand, about half of trains are directly operated onto the Sotetsu-Shinyokohama line via Shinyokohama station. Shinyokohama is also known as a transfer station for several lines. The function of the transfer station to the JR Central's Tokaido Shinkansen is especially important, as travelers from the Tokyu lines don't need to go out of their way to Tokyo terminal.
Let's get down to the main topic. I stood on the edge of the Shinyokohama station platform, and observed the tunnel of the Tokyu-Shinyokohama line. There were no railway signals on the track, as a cab signal system is applied; however, I found many train approach alert lights to protect railway employees, who work on the track. Unlike what I had previously imagined, the interior of the tunnel was very colorful. Thanks to the colorful lights, I could take fantastic photos of the EMU Tokyu 3000 series travelling on the line. The 3000 series is a major fleet on the Tokyu-Shinyokohama and Meguro lines. Reflecting the lights, its stainless-steeled bodies were mystically shining.
