Tōyō Rapid Railway Line

The nihongo|Tōyō Rapid Railway Line|東葉高速線|Tōyō Kōsoku-sen is a commuter rail line owned by Tōyō Rapid Railway Co., Ltd., that runs between Nishi-Funabashi Station in Funabashi City, Chiba and Tōyō-Katsutadai Station in Yachiyo City, Chiba. The name nihongo|Tōyō|東葉 means 東京 (Tōkyō) and 千葉 (Chiba).

The line is essentially an extension of Tokyo Metro Tōzai Line. There is a plan to further expand the line to Sakura Station of JR Sōbu Line.

Basic data

*Length: 16.2 km / Approx. 10.1 mi. from Nishi-Funabashi Station to Tōyō-Katsutadai Station
*Gauge: 1067 mm / 3 ft. 6 in.
*Stations: 9
*Double-track line: Whole line
*Electric supply: Whole line (1500 V DC)
*Block system: Automatic (WS-ATC)
*Maximum speed at service: 100 km/h
*Yard: Yachiyo-Midorigaoka Station

Fare

The line is known to be one of the most expensive commuter rail in the nation. It is because the line was built at the time of Japanese asset price bubble, when asset price was unfairly expensive. Ironically, the line opened after the "bubble" booming economy has burst, resulting disappointing riderships and profits. The current starting fare of Tōyō Rapid Railway Line, as of 2004, is ¥200. For a comparison, the starting fare of Tōkyū is ¥120, JR East (Greater Tokyo Area) ¥130, Tokyo Metro ¥160. On the other hand, other newly built lines also have relatively expensive fares. Saitama Rapid Railway Line cost ¥210 starting fare, while both Hokusō Railway Line and TWR Rinkai Line cost ¥200.

tations

Rolling stocks

Currently used

*Tōyō Rapid 2000 series
*Tōkyō Metro 05 series which belong to Tōkyō Metro
*Tōkyō Metro 05N series which belong to Tōkyō Metro
*Tōkyō Metro 07 series which belong to Tōkyō Metro

Formerly used

*Tōyō Rapid 1000 series (Retired in 2006)
*Tōkyō Metro 5000 series which belong to Tōkyō Metro

External links

* [http://www.toyokosoku.co.jp/ Official website]