Azusa (train)

Azusa
Super Azusa

E351 series Super Azusa EMU, January 2010
Overview
Service type Limited express
Status Operational
Locale Japan
First service 1 October 1957 (Semi express)
12 December 1966 (Limited express)
Current operator(s) JR East
Former operator(s) JNR
Route
Line used Chūō Main Line, Shinonoi Line
On-board services
Class(es) Green + Ordinary
Catering facilities Trolley service
Technical
Rolling stock E351 series (Super Azusa)
E257 series EMUs
Track gauge 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
Electrification 1,500 V DC
Operating speed 130 km/h (80 mph)[1]

The Azusa (あずさ) and Super Azusa (スーパーあずさ) are limited express services operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East), which run between Shinjuku and Matsumoto via the Chūō Main Line and Shinonoi Line. The name Azusa is taken from the Azusa River in Matsumoto, Nagano.

Route

Azusa

Shinjuku - Matsumoto - Minami-Otari
(One train a day starts/terminates at Chiba)

Super Azusa

Shinjuku - Matsumoto

Rolling stock

From 2016, new E353 series EMUs are scheduled to be introduced on Azusa and Super Azusa services, replacing the E351 and E257 series trains.[2] The new trains will feature power outlets for passenger use and WiFi internet service.[2]

Rolling stock previously used

Formations

Azusa

Azusa services are formed of 2+9-car or 9-car E257 series trainsets as shown below, with car 1 at the southern (Chiba/Tokyo/Shinjuku) end. All cars are no-smoking.[3]

Car No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Numbering KuHa E257 KuMoHa E257 KuHa E257 MoHa E257 MoHa E256 MoHa E257 SaHa E257 SaRoHa E257 MoHa E257 MoHa E256 KuHa E256
Accommodation Reserved Reserved Non-reserved Non-reserved Non-reserved Reserved Reserved Reserved Green Reserved Reserved Reserved

Super Azusa

Super Azusa services are formed of 4+8-car E351 series trainsets as shown below, with car 1 at the southern (Tokyo/Shinjuku) end. All cars are no-smoking.[3]

Car No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Numbering KuHa E351 MoHa E351 MoHa E350 KuHa E351 KuHa E351 MoHa E351 MoHa E350 SaHa E351 SaRo E351 MoHa E351 MoHa E350 KuHa E351
Accommodation Reserved Reserved Non-reserved Non-reserved Non-reserved Non-reserved Reserved Reserved Green Reserved Reserved Reserved

History

A 183 series EMU in original "Grade-up Azusa" livery

The Azusa service began on 1 October 1957 as a semi express operating between Shinjuku and Matsumoto. This operated until 24 April 1960 when it was absorbed into Hakuba semi express services.[4]

The Azusa name was revived from 12 December 1966 for use on limited express services operating between Shinjuku and Matsumoto.[4]

The premier Super Azusa service commenced on 3 December 1994 with the delivery of the first new E351 series tilting EMUs.[4]

New E257 series EMUs were introduced on Azusa services from the start of the revised timetable on 1 December 2001.[1]

Smoking was prohibited in all cars from 18 March 2007.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 JR新幹線＆特急列車ファイル [JR Shinkansen & Limited Express Train File]. Japan: Kotsu Shimbun. 2008. ISBN 978-4-330-00608-6.
  2. 1 2 ＪＲ東日本　富士山観光見込み、中央線特急に新型車両 [JR East to introduce new trains on Chuo Line limited express services, eying Mt Fuji tourism]. Sponichi Annex (in Japanese). Japan: Sports Nippon Newspapers. 16 September 2013. Retrieved 16 September 2013.
  3. 1 2 JR Timetable. Japan: Kotsu Shimbunsha. February 2015. p. 957.
  4. 1 2 3 列車名鑑1995 [Train Name Directory 1995]. Japan: Railway Journal. August 1995.

External links

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