Osaka Metro New 20 series

Osaka Metro New 20 series
21604 in November 2020
Technical specifications
Manufacturer(s)	Alna Kōki, Hitachi, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Kinki Sharyo, Nippon Sharyo, Tokyu Car Corporation
Type of locomotive	Electric multiple unit
Constructed	1990 – 1998
Number built	572 cars (89 sets)
Dimensions	18,900 mm × 2,890 mm × 3,745 mm
Gauge	4 ft 8½ in (1,435 mm)
Power supply	Third rail collector shoes
Electric system(s)	750 V DC
Traction system	Variable frequency (GTO, IGBT)
Traction system model	Hitachi VF-HR-129 Toshiba SVF-001-A0 Toshiba SVF-001-A1 Mitsubishi MAP-144-75V26 Hitachi VFI-HR2415H
Service information
In service	25 April 1990 – Present
Branding	VVVF 20 Series Car
Formation	4, 6 or 10 cars per set
Number in service	560 cars (87 sets)
Fleet numbers	21601 – 21618, 22601 – 22605, 22607 – 22619, 22655 – 22663, 23601 – 23605, 23607 – 23618, 23656, 24601 – 24611, 24656, 25611 – 25617
Refurbished	2010 – Present
Scrapped	2023 – Present
Preservation information
Preserved	N/A
Number scrapped	12 cars (2 sets)

Osaka Metro New 20 series is an umbrella term referring to a series of six Japanese city commuter electric multiple units operated by the Osaka Municipal Transport Bureau and later Osaka Metro since April 1990 on the Midōsuji, Tanimachi, Yotsubashi, Chūō and Sennichimae Lines and formerly by Osaka Port Transport System from December 1997 to July 2005. This term comprises the 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25 series sets and by extension the OTS series sets.

History

The New 20 series trains were introduced in 1990 to replace aging rolling stock on the various Osaka Municipal Subway lines. The first trains of the series to be introduced were the 22 and 23 series on the Tanimachi and Yotsubashi Lines, both on 25 April 1990. A total of 572 cars were manufactured from 1990 to 1998 by various manufacturers and would end up being used on all lines on the Osaka Municipal Subway, bar the Sakaisuji and Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuji Lines. Two sets were later manufactured for the Osaka Port Transit System, classified the OTS series in 1997 for use on the OTS Technoport Line. This was short-lived, however; the line was assimilated into the Chūō Line in July 2005 with the OTS series being renumbered as part of the 22 series of trains.

The trains have been undergoing extensive refurbishment works since 2010 to extend their lifespans. Scrapping of trains commenced in 2023.

Design

The New 20 series sets use a raked front end with a centrally-mounted dual headlight fixture; these sets feature a "gentle" design that was received well by the public due to its modernity at the time. All sets in the series share a common design, with many elements being reused from the 20 series trains.

Specifications

Construction is of a high-strength stainless steel. The sets use early-specification Mitsubishi GTO drives which produce a droning noise which steps up in pitch; these have been largely replaced by Hitachi IGBT drives which produces a high-pitch whine which steps up in pitch.

Osaka Port Transport System rolling stock
Commuter	OTS
AGT	OTS100