Yokohama Municipal Subway

Yokohama Municipal Subway
Name	Yokohama Municipal Subway
Locale	Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
Transit type	Rapid transit
Began operation	16 December 1972
Stations	42
Ridership	1.1 million (daily, 2019)
Operator	Yokohama City Transportation Bureau
Track gauge	sg
El	1,500 V DC overhead

Yokohama Municipal Subway. The rapid transit system serving the city of Yokohama, operated by the Yokohama City Transportation Bureau. It consists of two primary lines, the Blue Line and the Green Line, which integrate with the extensive Greater Tokyo Area rail network. The system is a vital component of the city's public transportation, connecting major districts like Kannai, Yokohama Station, and Shin-Yokohama Station.

History

The system's origins are linked to post-war urban planning in Yokohama, which sought to modernize infrastructure alongside the city's rapid economic growth. The first segment, part of the present Blue Line between Isezakichōjamachi and Kannai, opened in 1972, predating the opening of the Tōkaidō Shinkansen through Shin-Yokohama Station. Subsequent extensions were planned in coordination with major developments such as the Minato Mirai 21 project. The second line, the Green Line, opened in 2008, linking Nakayama to Hiyoshi, improving access to Keio University and other institutions.

Lines

The system comprises two lines. The Blue Line is a high-capacity north-south route running from Azamino in the north to Shōnandai in the south, interchanging with the Tōkyū Den-en-toshi Line and Sotetsu Main Line. The Green Line is a fully automated, driverless east-west line connecting Nakayama on the JR East Yokohama Line to Hiyoshi on the Tōkyū Tōyoko Line and Meguro Line. Key interchange stations with other railways include Yokohama Station for JR East, Keikyu, and Sagami Railway, and Shin-Yokohama Station for the Tōkaidō Shinkansen.

Rolling stock

The fleet primarily consists of stainless steel-bodied electric multiple units. The Blue Line operates the 3000 series and newer 4000 series trains, which feature longitudinal seating for high passenger capacity. The Green Line utilizes the 10000 series, a fully automated, rubber-tired VAL-type system supplied by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. All rolling stock is maintained at the Nakamachidai Depot and the Kamiōoka Depot, with trains receiving periodic refurbishment to update passenger information systems and interiors.

Operations

Daily operations are managed from the Yokohama City Transportation Bureau's control center, ensuring coordination with other operators like JR East and Tokyu Corporation. During weekday mornings, the Blue Line operates with a headway of less than three minutes to handle commuter traffic to Tokyo and Kawasaki. The system maintains strict punctuality standards, typical of Japanese railways, and provides seamless transfers at hubs like Yokohama Station and Kannai Station. Special services are run during events at the Yokohama Arena or Yokohama Stadium.

Fares and ticketing

Fares are calculated by distance, with the system fully integrated into the Greater Tokyo Area's common IC card system, primarily Suica and PASMO. These cards can be used for travel across networks operated by JR East, Tokyo Metro, and private railways. The system also accepts the Yokohama Marche Pass for tourists and offers various commuter passes. Ticket vending machines and fare adjustment machines are available at all stations, with signage in Japanese, English, Korean, and Chinese.

Future plans

Future development focuses on system expansion and integration. A northern extension of the Green Line from Nakayama to Tsurumi Station is under consideration to improve connectivity with the Keikyu Main Line. There are also proposals for a new line, tentatively called the Line 3, to serve the western areas of Kohoku New Town and link to the Sotetsu Shin-Yokohama Line. These plans are part of broader regional strategies involving the Kanagawa Prefecture government and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Category:Rapid transit in Japan Category:Transport in Yokohama Category:Railway companies of Japan