| Hanshin 5500 series | |
| Manufacturer: | Mukogawa Sharyo, Kawasaki Heavy Industries |
| Family: | Jet Car |
| Yearconstruction: | 1995–2000 |
| Yearservice: | 1 November 1995 |
| Refurbishment: | 2017– |
| Numberbuilt: | 36 vehicles (9 sets) |
| Numberservice: | 36 vehicles (11 sets) |
| Fleetnumbers: | 5501–5517 |
| Capacity: | 132 per car |
| Operator: | Hanshin Electric Railway |
| Carbody: | Steel |
| Carlength: | 18980mm |
| Width: | 2800mm |
| Height: | 4060mm |
| Doors: | 3 pairs per side |
| Maxspeed: | 90km/h |
| Acceleration: | 4km/h/s |
| Traction: | Variable frequency (GTO) |
| Poweroutput: | 110 kW per motor |
| Electricsystem: | 1,500 V DC |
| Collectionmethod: | Overhead catenary |
| Safety: | Hanshin ATS |
| Coupling: | Shibata-type |
The is a commuter electric multiple unit (EMU) train type operated by the private railway operator Hanshin Electric Railway in Japan since 1995.[1]
Manufactured to replace any previous train cars damaged by the January 1995 Great Hanshin earthquake, the design of the 5500 series is based on the earlier 8000 series trains.[1] The 5500 series was the first variable-frequency drive-equipped train type to be introduced by the Hanshin Electric Railway.[1]
Together with the sole 5550 series set, the 5500 series sets are used primarily on Hanshin Main Line services.[1]
, nine four-car sets are in service, formed as shown below. All cars are powered.[2]
| Designation | Mc1 | M1 | M2 | Mc2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Numbering | 55xx (odd) | 56xx (odd) | 56xx (even) | 55xx (even) | |
| Capacity (total/seated) | 132/48 | 132/50 | 132/50 | 132/48 |
The two intermediate (M1 and M2) cars are each fitted with one lozenge-type pantograph.[2]
| Designation | Mc1 | Mc1 | Mc2 | Mc2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Numbering | 551x (odd) | 591x (odd) | 591x (even) | 551x (even) | |
| Capacity (total/seated) | 127/39 | 125/40 | 125/40 | 127/39 |
Passenger accommodation consists of longitudinal bench seating throughout, with sculpted seats finished in blue moquette.[1]
The first trains entered service in 1995.[1] Nine four-car sets were built by 2000.[1]
The fleet underwent a programme of refurbishment from 2017, with the first set, 5501, treated in April 2017.[3] Refurbishment includes the addition of external passenger door control buttons, full-colour LED destination display panels, and a new blue livery.[3]
Hanshin unveiled the first 5500 series set modified for use on the Mukogawa Line in March 2020. The set was modified from set 5513, which was split into two 2-car sets: 5513+5913 and 5514+5914. The 591x cars were fitted with driver's cabs based on those of the 9000 series and two single-arm pantographs. Hanshin confirmed that they would also modify set 5511 as such.[4]
The converted 5500 series sets entered service on the Mukogawa Line on 6 June 2020, replacing the 7861 series sets previously used.[5]