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Hiroshima Rapid Transit 7000 Series / 広島高速交通7000系

The 7000 Series (7000系) is an AGT vehicle type operated by Hiroshima Rapid Transit on the Astram Line.

Entering service in 2020, the 7000 series is the second generation of AGT vehicles for the system, replacing the 6000 and 1000 series. It utilizes an aluminium alloy structure similar to other new transit systems across Japan, which is lightweight, durable, and simple to recycle. The weight of the 7000 series formations were thus reduced by about 3 tonnes compared to previous rolling stock. Improving passenger comfort was a priority in the type's design, the width and height of the vehicles were increased, creating a more spacious cabin. While the all long seat layout is retained, the size of each seat have been enlarged, and the backrest improved. Wheelchair spaces are now installed in every car, as opposed to the front and end cars of previous types, strollers are also supported. As a result of these changes, the rated capacity was slightly decreased. As of current, 13 6-car sets have been produced, with a total of 24 sets planned. Operations on the Astram Line will be unified to the 7000 series by the end of 2024.

Operator Background:

The Astram Line, officially known as Hiroshima New Transit Line 1, is an AGT system operating in the city of Hiroshima, Japan. It is owned and operated by third sector company Hiroshima Rapid Transit, in which a majority stake is held by the city government. The Astram Line spans over 18.4km across Hiroshima's hilly north and west, with 22 stations. The southern section of the line within the city center of Hiroshima is underground, with the rest constructed on elevated tracks above existing roads. It forms a largely semi-circular shape, running north from the city center to a transfer point with the JR Kabe Line at Ōmachi Station, then turning west and south through a valley in Asaminami Ward. The system opened in 1994 to serve the residential areas of the northwest, which lacked access to conventional commuter lines. AGT technology was chosen as high gradients are required to access hilly areas. There have long been a plan to extend the Astram line through the Saeki Ward in the city's west, and link two current terminus into a full loop line. It had been approved and cancelled several times since 1999, and remains a major factor of contention in the city government. While the city has recommitted itself to the construction of the extension, it has been delayed to around 2036. Average ridership pre-pandemic sat at around 63,000 per day.


Basic Information:

Max Speed: 70km/h
Acceleration: 0.97m/s/s
Motor Output: 110kW x 1 per car
Seating: long
In Service: 2020-

The following formations are included:

4 Car (Hypothetical Formation)

Configuration: equivalent to 2M2T
Max Pax: 302

6 Car

Configuration: equivalent to 3M3T
Max Pax: 464

8 Car (Hypothetical Formation)

Configuration: equivalent to 4M4T
Max Pax: 626