In a supplement to its financial results for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2022, released on May 12, Seibu Holdings mentioned the progress of its medium-term management plan (FY2021-FY2023), explaining that it will introduce “sustainer cars” to reduce fixed costs in its railroad business.
The document includes an annotation stating, “We define the term as our own designation for rolling stock acquired from other companies, such as unpainted car bodies and VVVF inverter-controlled cars,” but this is because the company still has more DC cars than its competitors (so-called “yellow trains” on the Tamagawa Line and Tamako Line “), and the company is working to replace them.
Although the company will continue to manufacture the new Series 40000, it has decided to “acquire rolling stock from other companies” as an option in its drive to further reduce power consumption, and discussions are underway with other companies. Although refurbishment of the cars will be necessary before they are actually put into operation, the benefits of replacing the older cars outweigh the costs of acquisition and refurbishment, according to the company.
Seibu Railway commented, “We are currently in talks with several companies to introduce Sustaina rolling stock, but the details have not yet been finalized. We would like to replace them with energy-efficient cars and reduce fixed costs ahead of schedule through the best mix of new rolling stock and Sustenna rolling stock.
© Source travel watch