Kintetsu 30000 series


The Kintetsu 30000 series is a limited express electric multiple unit train type operated by Kintetsu Railway since 1978.

Design

The 30000 series sets were built as four-car sets with the two intermediate cars being bilevel cars. The end cars are based on the 12400 series trains which entered service from 1977.

Operations

As of 2025, 15 four-car sets are in service. Some sets operate in multiple with other four- or two-car general-use limited express train types and two 30000 series sets occasionally couple together in revenue service.

Formations

Sets are formed as shown below.
DesignationMc1T1T2Mc2
Numbering30200301003015030250

History

The first set was delivered from the Kinki Sharyo factory in November 1978. The 30000 series fleet entered service from December of that year. The train type was the recipient of the Blue Ribbon Award in 1979.
In 1988, the fleet underwent modifications to be capable of operating at a maximum speed of.
On 12 November 2015, Kintetsu announced that its general-use limited express trains would receive a new white, gold, and yellow livery. The first set to be repainted, V09, returned to service in July 2016.

Refurbishment

Since 1996, the fleet underwent a programme of refurbishment. The upper deck of the bilevel cars was rebuilt with continuous curved windows. Following the refurbishment, the 30000 series trains are nicknamed "Vista EX".
From 2010, the entire fleet underwent another programme of refurbishment which included converting the lower deck seating areas of the bilevel cars to compartment seating similar to those in yacht cabins.