Commemorating 70 Years of Operation: New 7000 Series Low-Floor LRV to Debut in March 2027

Chikuhō Electric Railway Co., Ltd. (Nakama City, Fukuoka Prefecture; President: Tadashi Aoki) will introduce the new low-floor Light Rail Vehicle (LRV) 7000 series in March 2027.

Currently, most of our operating vehicles are the 3000 series, which use vehicle components that are over 60 years old. With the discontinuation of replacement parts and increasing difficulty in procurement, aging infrastructure has become a major challenge. Additionally, in today’s environment, there is growing demand to promote decarbonization and maintain sustainable public transportation as part of building a more sustainable society.

The 7000 series is a fully low-floor vehicle designed with user-friendly barrier-free access. Accent lines inspired by the 'C' in Chikutetsu (Chikuhō Railway) are featured on the side of the car body, while the window frame color uses 'Flower yellow'—a hue evoking the official flowers of Fukuoka Prefecture and the three municipalities along the Chikutetsu line. Interior lighting and headlights use LED technology, and the train is equipped with high-efficiency control systems and regenerative braking, reducing power consumption by approximately 50% compared to the existing 3000 series vehicles. Furthermore, passenger capacity will increase by 16, from 96 in the 3000 series to 112 in the 7000 series, enhancing transportation capacity during rush hours.

The company will mark its 70th anniversary of operations on March 21, 2026. With the introduction of the new rolling stock, we aim to maintain and improve stable transportation services while providing a safer and more comfortable ride for our customers. We will continue striving to be a beloved local railway—'Chikutetsu'—cherished by the community for generations to come.

Overview of the Chikuhō Electric Railway 7000 Series New Vehicle

<Launch Date> March 2027 (planned)

<Key Features>

① Ultra-Low-Floor Barrier-Free Design

As a low-floor vehicle, there is no step between the station platform and the train floor. Entry doors and interior floors are completely level, ensuring smooth boarding and alighting.

② Design Expressing 'Kindness' and 'Connection'

The design features a simple metallic base color, with black wrapping around the front to create the appearance of one large window—resulting in a fresh, open, and striking visual presence.

An accent line inspired by the 'C' in Chikutetsu is added for brand identity.

The use of curved front glass conveys 'kindness,' while a colored band encircling the exterior creates a sense of unity, symbolizing the connection between the railway and the local communities along the line.

7000 Series Exterior Concept Image

③ 'Flower Yellow' Body Color

The body color 'Flower yellow' was selected to express gratitude to Fukuoka Prefecture, Kitakyushu City, Nakama City, and Tagawa City for their support in the introduction of the new train, drawing inspiration from the official flowers of these regions.

'Flower yellow' inspired by the flowers of Fukuoka Prefecture and the three沿线 cities

④ Modern, Comfortable Interior Space

• 'A space to relax during daily commutes and school travel'

As a line used daily for commuting and school travel, we aim to provide a relaxing interior environment where passengers can take a breath of relief, reflecting our commitment as a community-based railway closely connected to local residents.

• 'Homely & Relaxing'

To evoke the comforting feeling of 'our local train,' the interior features a modern living-room-like design, with a calm color palette of gray and beige and soft-textured seats.

Spacious windows, wide aisles, and a simple layout that doesn’t obstruct views create a comfortable, pressure-free environment.

7000 Series Interior Concept Image

⑤ Eco-Friendly, Energy-Efficient Specifications

LED lighting and headlights are used throughout, along with high-efficiency control systems and regenerative braking, reducing power consumption by approximately 50% compared to the existing 3000 series vehicles.