Key Facts
• Tobu Daishi Line spans 1.0 km with two stations: Nishiarai and Daishimae.
• Operated by Tobu Railway, the line is single-track and located in Tokyo’s 23 wards.
• In May 2025, Tobu announced plans for driverless autonomous trains starting with Daishi Line.
• New train designs will incorporate CBTC and ATO technologies for GoA 3 automation.
• Testing of autonomous trains on Daishi Line is scheduled for 2028.
• Current operations use 10000-series two-car trains with one-man operation since 2003.
• The line runs 110 round trips on weekdays and 109 on holidays, with a max speed of 60 km/h.
• Daishi Line infrastructure includes 935 meters of track, 695 meters elevated.
• Tobu aims to expand autonomous train technology to other lines and operators.
• The Daishi Line was originally planned as a connection between the Isesaki and Tojo lines in 1931.
Summary
Tobu Railway is pioneering autonomous train technology on the 1.0 km Daishi Line in Tokyo. Announced in May 2025, the initiative aims to introduce driverless trains using CBTC and ATO technologies, achieving GoA 3 automation. Testing is set for 2028, with plans to expand the technology to other lines and operators. The Daishi Line, operational since 1931, currently uses 10000-series trains with one-man operation. This project addresses labor shortages and aims to modernize Japan’s rail industry, potentially revitalizing local lines nationwide.
