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Fukushima Transportation 1000 Series / 福島交通1000系

The 1000 Series (1000系) is an EMU operated by Fukushima Transportation on the Iizaka Line.

Entering service with Fukushima Transportation in 2017, this type is made up of converted Tokyu 1000 series cars, which were originally manufactured between 1988 and 1993. A total of 18 cars were transferred, all of which being motor cars of former Toyoko Line trains. They were rearranged into four 2-car sets and two 3-car sets, with one car per set converted to control trailer car. A non-walkthrough type driving cab was installed onto all vehicles except the two destinated as middle cars. Interior decorations include noren curtains of Iizuka Onsen and promotions for the local autumn festival, emphasizing the tourism potential of areas along the line. In terms of equipment, the 1C8M control system used by Tokyu was replaced by new 1C4M controllers to lower energy usage, and single arm pantographs were also installed. The entire fleet had been converted and entered service by 2019, succeeding all existing 7000 series vehicles and thus became the only train type on the Iizuka Line.

Operator Background:

Fukushima Transportation is a minor railway company in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. The 9.2km Iizaka Line is the company’s only rail line, connecting Fukushima Station with Iizaka Onsen on a mostly suburban route. It is electrified with 1,500V DC overhead wires, having been raised from 750V in 1991. The entire route is single track, with around half of its 12 stations having passing loops. Operational speed of the line is just 60km/h, taking 23 minutes from end to end. Trains operate every 15 minutes in peak commuting hours, 25 minutes mid-day, with less frequent runs during the early morning hours and later at night. Fukushima Transportation was founded via a merger of several local railway companies, which gradually combined their lines into a small network in the northern part of Fukushima City. However, declining patronage for rail and bus services lead profits to decline drastically in the 60s and 70s, and the Iizuka Line became the only surviving local rail line in Fukushima in 1971. By the 80s the company had fallen into financial difficulties and several of its subsidiaries filed for bankruptcy. The business was able to survive independently for another few decades but filed for legal reorganization in 2008. It then became a fully owned subsidiary of Michinori Holdings, which specializes in management and restructuring of struggling public transportation companies. The new owners were remarkably successful at turning around the line’s fortunes, achieving operational profitability and becoming the best performing minor railway in 2014. Ridership from pre-pandemic figures are around 6,400 people per day.

Basic Information:

Max Speed: 120km/h
Acceleration: 0.65m/s/s
Motor Output: 130kW x 4 per car
Seating: long
In Service: 2017-

The following formations are included:

1000 Series (2 Car)

Configuration: 1M1T
Max Pax: 368

1000 Series (3 Car)

Configuration: 2M1T
Max Pax: 565