The original rolling stock, which began operation 44 years ago when the Kyoto Municipal Subway opened, will be retired on September 8, 2025. At Takeda Station (Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City), the starting station for its final run, on the Karasuma Line, local residents and railway enthusiasts watched on as it completed its final journey.
Nine original rolling stock began operation in 1981, coinciding with the opening of the Karasuma Line's Kitaoji-Kyoto Station section. Starting in 2021, they have been gradually replaced with new rolling stock, and since May, only one final rolling stock has been left.
A retirement ceremony was held around 1:30 p.m. that day, and the original rolling stock bound for Kokusaikaikan Station, bearing a commemorative headmark reading "Thank you" and "Goodbye," departed. Local residents and railway enthusiasts gathered inside the station, watching the final run with cameras and smartphones at the ready. The original rolling stock then returned to Takeda Station and entered the depot.
Kotaro Nagao (38 years old), a driver with 11 years of experience who was in charge of the final run, said, "This vehicle allowed me to gain driving experience, and it has maintained safe operations for a long time. I would like to say thank you for your hard work."
