The Kyoto Municipal Transportation Bureau will end commercial operation of the final train of its original “10 Series” cars, which have been in service for over 40 years since the Karasuma Line opened in 1981. In September 2025, the final train will cease operation.
“V”-shaped sharp sloping front
In conjunction with the opening of the Karasuma Line between Kitaoji Station and Kyoto Station, Kyoto’s first municipal subway line, nine first and second batches of 10 Series trains were manufactured, based on the design philosophy of “utilizing the latest technology to provide a safe, fast, and comfortable ride.” Initially consisting of four cars, these were later expanded to six with the addition of a trailer car, and have expanded their use to include the newly established Kintetsu Railway Kyoto Line and Nara Line, where through-services have begun.
The initial 10 Series trains feature a sharp, “V”-shaped, sloping front, with a framed upper profile and a large front window on the driver’s side to expand the driver’s field of view. The connecting doors, which open in two halves, are decorated entirely in the line’s green color, and their lack of windows was a novelty at the time. The third batch of 10-series trains, introduced in 1988 in conjunction with the extension of the line between Kyoto Station and Takeda Station, removed the frame and adopted a rounded front design, with windows installed in the connecting doors.
Eight of the nine trains have already been retired
The new “20-series” trains will be introduced on the Karasuma Line in March 2022, replacing the aging 10-series trains manufactured more than 40 years ago. Eight of the nine trains have already retired, and the final train, the “8th train,” will be the first to be retired. A commemorative headmark bearing the message “Thank you for 44 years” has been displayed since August 9 (Sat).
A bouquet presentation event is planned for the final day of service in September; the date and time will be announced as soon as it is decided. Additionally, a special sales event will be held at Kotochika Square in Kyoto Subway Station from 2:00 p.m. on September 6 (Sat), featuring commemorative ticket sets based on the early-stage trains and original goods commemorating the train’s retirement.
