The , also known as "Laview", is an
electric multiple unit
An electric multiple unit or EMU is a multiple-unit train consisting of self-propelled carriages using electricity as the motive power. An EMU requires no separate locomotive, as electric traction motors are incorporated within one or a numbe ...
(EMU) train type operated by the private railway operator
Seibu Railway
is a conglomerate based in Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan, with principal business areas in railways, tourism, and real estate. Seibu Railway's operations are concentrated in northwest Tokyo and Saitama Prefecture; the name "Seibu" is an abbreviati ...
on
limited express
A limited express is a type of express train service. It refers to an express service that stops at a limited number of stops in comparison to other express services on the same or similar routes.
Japan
The term "limited express" is a common ...
services in the Tokyo area of Japan. They will replace the
10000 series EMUs currently in service on the
Seibu Ikebukuro Line
The is a railway line of the Japanese private railway operator Seibu Railway. It originates at Ikebukuro Station, a large railway junction in north-western Tokyo, extending to northwest suburbs as far as Tokorozawa, Saitama, and nominally ter ...
and
Chichibu Line.
Design
The trains are designed by
Kazuyo Sejima
is a Japanese architect and director of her own firm, Kazuyo Sejima & Associates. In 1995, she co-founded the firm SANAA (Sejima + Nishizawa & Associates). In 2010, Sejima was the second woman to receive the Pritzker Prize, which was awarded jo ...
, and feature large windows and a rounded front end with an oval windscreen.
Based on the concept of "a new train that no one has ever seen before," it was designed based on the following design concepts.
*A limited express that blends softly into the landscape in the city and nature
*A limited express like a living room where everyone can relax
*A limited express that creates new value and becomes a destination, not just a means of transportation
File:Seibu 001 series 20190703a2.jpg, Rounded front
File:Seibu 001 series 20190703a3.jpg, Exterior, showing large windows
Formation
The trains consist of eight cars per set.
Interior
Seating accommodation consists of 2+2 seating, with power outlets at all seats.
The interior also features wheelchair spaces and a ladies’ powder room.
Free WiFi is provided in all cars.
File:Seibu 001 series 20190703c3.jpg, Interior
File:Seibu 001 series 20190703c11.jpg, Power outlets
File:Seibu 001 series 20190703c10.jpg, Seats
File:Seibu 001 series 20190703c1.jpg, Passenger information screens
File:Seibu 001 series 20190703b11.jpg, Toilet
File:Seibu 001 series 20190703b10.jpg, Powder room
File:Seibu 001 series 20190703b1.jpg, Cab of a 001 series train
History
Seven sets were ordered as a replacement for the
New Red Arrow EMUs.
The first set was presented to reporters at Kotesashi depot on 14 February 2019.
The 001 series entered revenue service on 16 March 2019.
In 2020, the train type received the
Blue Ribbon Award.
References
External links
*
{{Seibu trainsets
Electric multiple units of Japan
001 series
Train-related introductions in 2019
1500 V DC multiple units of Japan