Osaka's Hanshin Electric Railway to introduce new trains and reserved seating

Hanshin Electric Railway Co. has announced its decision to introduce a new series of express trains, designated the 3000 series, and to initiate a reserved seat service in the spring of 2027, in anticipation of the company’s 120th anniversary since its inaugural operation on Saturday, April 12th.

The exterior color of the new trains will be “Re Vermilion,” a hue that pays homage to the “red-bodied cars” that have long been cherished as the company’s express trains. The company will gradually implement this color scheme across its existing fleet of express trains.

Hanshin’s current express trains use an orange color scheme

With the aim of developing a vehicle that closely aligns with the priorities of its passengers, the company will use a variety of features to make the travelling experience more comfortable and convenient going forward.

Firstly, seats in one of the six cars of each new train will be available to be booked via a new seat reservation service.

Hanshin trains have historically been colored various shades of red

Additionally, the company will strive to create a stress-free in-car environment by implementing electric door closing devices and inverter air conditioning units, both of which offer comfort and energy efficiency and would represent the first time such systems have been used in trains on the Hanshin Electric Railway.

The new trains will use a synchronous reluctance motor system (SynTRACS) in the drive system will result in a power consumption reduction of approximately 60% (compared to the 8000 series cars).

The synchronous reluctance motor and inverter traction system represents the latest traction system for railway vehicles, that is said to achieve the world’s highest level of efficiency.

In response to the increasing demand for guaranteed seating, the company will introduce its inaugural seat reservation service in one of the six cars of the new 3000 series express trains. Further details, including operating areas and fares, will be announced at a later date.

While preserving the vermilion image of the “red-bodied” trains that have been favored by customers for many years, the new trains will feature a “Re Vermilion” color, a fitting color for a train that is “asserting” a bright future.

Most red colored Hanshin trains are now museum pieces

The name “Re Vermilion” combines the “vermilion” from the “red body car” with the prefix “Re,” signifying “again,” to express the company’s aspiration that the train will inherit the legacy of the “red body car” that has been supported by its customers for many years and continue to meet their expectations.

Red has been a popular choice for Japanese railway companies including Hanshin and Sanyo

As “Re Vermilion” will be the color scheme for the new 3000 series express trains, the existing express trains will also be gradually repainted in the same color. This will contribute to establishing a consistent color identity, reinforcing the perception that “Hanshin Electric Railway’s express trains are vermilion.”

The new trains will be introduced in the spring of 2027. Initially, operation will commence with one train set, with plans to gradually increase the number of trains in service.

Source: PR Times