Development of Low Floor Light Rail Vehicle

摘要

Research and development started in April 2001 and was finished after completion of various studies extending over 3 years as scheduled. In this development, 3 types of trial bogies were manufactured obtaining expected performances respectively. On the other hand, as a result of examination of estimated principal features, bogie frames and power transmission systems, it was revealed that some of the items discussed previously and items to be discussed in the future were still remained as unsolved problems. However, as a way to improve these remaining problems can be expected, it is considered that vehicles equipped with "bogies" improved based on "trial bogies" developed this time will be put into passenger service in Japan, in the near future. This development was carried out under the financial aid by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. We, Technical Research Institute, would like to take this opportunity to express our deep appreciation to Railway Bureau of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and also to all of the staffs concerned who supported our research and development extending over 3 years.