Keio Electric Railway’s new Series 2000 train, whose details were previously mentioned, will begin commercial operation on January 31. Prior to this, a test-ride event was held for the press on January 17, and we report on what it was like to ride in the “actual running 2000 Series.
What is the view outside from Hidamari Space?
Needless to say, the biggest “selling point” of the Keio 2000 Series is the multipurpose “Hidamari Space” in Car 5.
In addition to providing a wide floor space for use by baby strollers and wheelchairs, an S-shaped impulse is placed on the center line of the car body to make it easy to lean against it. In addition, to make it easier for small children to see outside, the side windows are enlarged downward, and a “L” shaped handrail is provided for easy grasping.
I was not able to experience it at the time of the press release in October 2025 because I did not have enough time to spare, but this time I also tried the comfort of the seat. In recent years, there have been a number of occasions when I have encountered a seat that was strangely hard or had a strong bottoming-out sensation, but I found the seat of the Keio 2000 Series to be neither too hard nor too soft, but rather just right.
So we asked Mr. Masashi Sasaki, Manager in charge of rolling stock planning in the Electric Vehicle and Electricity Department of Keio Electric Railway, and he told us that they use a waist cushion with a metal S-spring in it.
As for the “Hidamari Space” handrail, he said, “It was shaped this way to make it easier for small children to grab onto. It was not intended to protect the window glass when crowded, but as a result, it works in that way as well.
© Source travel watch