Kobe New Transit 2000 series

Infobox EMU
name = Kobe New Transit 2000 series


imagesize = 240px
background =
caption = 2000 series train at Shimin Hiroba Station on the Port Island Line
InService = 2006 - Present
Manufacturer = Kawasaki Heavy Industries
Family =
Built =
Refurbishment =
Formation =
Operator = Kobe New Transit
Depots =
LinesServed = Port Island Line
CarBody = Stainless steel
CarLength =
CarWidth =
CarHeight =
MaxSpeed = 60 km/h
Weight =
Capacity =
Acceleration = 3.5 km/h/s
Deceleration =
Traction =
Power =
Gauge =
Voltage = 600 V DC Third rail
Brakes = Regenerative brake, Electric commanding brake
SafetySystem = ATC

The Kobe New Transit Nihongo|2000 series|神戸新交通2000型電車|Kōbe Shinkōtsū 2000-gata densha is an automated guideway transit (AGT) vehicle used for passenger service on the Port Island Line (Port Liner) of the Kobe New Transit. The trains were introduced on February 2, 2006 to coincide with the extension of the Port Island Line to the newly opened Kobe Airport. The series is a successor to the 8000 series trains that has run on Rokko Liner since the line's opening in 1981.

Background

Introduced on February 2, 2006, simultaneously with the extension of the Port Liner to Kobe Airport, the 2000 series is based on the Kawasaki Computer Control Vehicle (KCV) developed by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, the same company that manufactures the 8000 series rolling stock used for the Port Liner since service began. Therefore it has guide wheels for floating switches installed on both sides of the cars. 2000 series and 8000 series are the only New Transit System rolling stock to handle this type. Since the 8000 series is deteriorating, additional 2000 series rolling stock may be manufactured in the future. Formation numbers are 13 through 15.

Physical design

The exterior of the 2000 series is different from the 8000 series with the unpainted stainless steel body wrapped by lines in the corporate colors, green and blue. The logo mark next to the doors on the 8000 series is not present. The carriage has been changed to the same core-type pneumatic rubber tires used on the 1000 series. The interior is also different from the 8000 series with warm-colored box seats in a 2+1 arrangement. It is also equipped with overhead baggage racks and blinds. As in the 8000 series there is piping on the ceiling above the entry/exit doors to substitute for hand straps, but its shape is different. The communications device has been changed to intercom-form.

Barrier-free (accessibility) conversion

Manufactured in accordance with the Transportation Accessibility Law, the 2000 series has from its beginning had wheelchair spaces and over-door LED information displays to indicate on which side the doors will open with multi-lingual support. 8000 series rolling stock was remodeled to include these features also. Also, intercom and emergency stop button were moved close to the wheelchair space and their height adjusted to be usable from a wheelchair. Car body interior space was enlarged (by removing the baggage areas found in the 8000 series), and the elevation difference between platform and entry/exit doors reduced.

References

* Japanese Wiki Source Translation not available at this time.

External links

* [http://faculty.washington.edu/jbs/itrans/itrans1.htm Washingtion University: History Review]
* [http://faculty.washington.edu/jbs/itrans/krt.htm Kobe PRT History]
* [http://www.knt-liner.co.jp/ New Kobe Transit Co., LTD] (Japanese)
* [http://www.knt-liner.co.jp/english/index.asp New Kobe Transit Co., LTD] (English)
* [http://faculty.washington.edu/jbs/itrans/Yuki%20Matsuoka-AutomatedGuidedTransit.pdf Washingtion University: "Automated Guided Transit"]