「e METRO MOBILITY TOWN」は2024(令和6)年11月30日に開園した、Osaka Metro森之宮検車場内にある、未来の大阪の暮らしやモビリティを体感できるテーマパーク。2025(令和7)年10月19日までの期間限定施設である。e METRO MOBILITY TOWN閉園後は、2028(令和10)年春に開業する予定の中央線の支線の終着駅、大阪公立大学前駅(仮称)となる。
「e METRO MOBILITY TOWN」に行けるのは2025(令和7)年10月までの期間限定ということで、予定に組み込んだ。「ミライ体験エリア」で描かれた未来の大阪の街並みやOsaka Metroの地下鉄、大阪シティバス、そして空飛ぶクルマや電気自動運転バスがものすごく印象的だった。
これらを実現しようとするOsaka Metroをより一層応援したくなった。
After the newly opened section on Kita-osaka Kyuko Railway Namboku Line, I visited "e METRO MOBILITY TOWN" park in Morinomiya Railyard, where visitors can learn and experience mobility in futuristic Osaka through the exhibitions. Six retired 20 Series carriages on Osaka Metro Chuo Line are reused as the pavilions. The park opens for a limited time between November 30th, 2024, and October 19th, 2025.
Going through the entrance gate, a 3-dimensional 400 Series front appeared. It's a photo spot for commemoration of a visit. I made a staff member take a photograph in front of it.
Next, I did "History of Mobility" pavilion, where a film about the history of transportation in Osaka is shown. Because the displays are in close contact with the carriage window, visitors feel like riding on a time machine while in the programme.
One of six carriages was refurbished as an open space with tables for resting, eating and drinking.
The bus stop for the electric self-driving bus and the open-air food court area are next to the "Future Experience Area".
I tried to board the bus a lap of course. During the trip, the announcement and video show how the bus runs its exact route and watches around to ensure safety. The bus is equipped with cameras and LiDAR sensors to measure the distance to other cars, pedestrians, buildings, obstacles on or around the roadway, and other objects. In addition to a memorised 3-dimensional map, it uses GPS location data, a magnetic guide marker, and "Target Line" paint on the roadway to ensure the exact location and route.
In the food court area, some regularly open food kiosks are standing. In addition to them, food trucks come to the food court on Saturdays and Sundays. The events are sometimes held there. On that day, a meat meal festival was held. I ordered a cup of "Misosuji Line" red-coloured soda pop at a kiosk and a fried onion hamburger at an event stall.
A MAI giant inflatable was put near the open space pavilion.
I also saw a "Flying Vehicle Area" featuring an electric personal flying vehicle, "HEXA". Though there is a flying field for "HEXA", no real vehicle for demonstration or visitors' experience was on it that day. I watched a promotional video, saw a propeller and a control grip, and listened to a staff member's guidance.
My most memorable attractions were "New World Theatre" and the self-driving bus. I want to support Osaka Metro to realise the mobility.