E231 series

The E231 series (E231系, E231-kei) is an electric multiple unit (EMU) train type used for commuter and outer-suburban services operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East) in Japan since 2000.

E231 series
A Chūō–Sōbu Line E231-0 series train in December 2022
ManufacturerJR East, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Tokyu Car Corporation
Built atNiitsu, Kobe, Yokohama
Replaced103 series, 113 series, 115 series, 201 series, 205 series, 301 series
Constructed1998–2006
2010–2011 (SaHa E231-600 & SaHa E231-4600 carriages)
Entered serviceMarch 2000
Refurbished2014–
Scrapped2010–
Number built2,736 vehicles
Number in service2,476 vehicles
(+48 vehicles converted to E235 series)
Number scrapped212 vehicles
SuccessorE235 series (Yamanote Line)
Formation4/5/8/10 cars per trainset (Previously also 11)
Operator(s)JR East
Depot(s)Kawagoe, Keiyō, Kōzu, Matsudo, Mitaka, Oyama
Line(s) served(See below)
Specifications
Car body constructionStainless steel
Car length20,000 mm (65 ft 7 in)[1]
Width2,950 mm (9 ft 8 in)[1]
Doors4 pairs per side (previously also 6 pairs per side)
2 doors per side (Green cars)
Maximum speed120 km/h (75 mph)[1]
Traction systemIGBT-VVVF
Acceleration2.5, 3, or 3.3 km/(h⋅s) (1.6, 1.9, or 2.1 mph/s)
Deceleration4 km/(h⋅s) (2.5 mph/s) (service)
4.5 km/(h⋅s) (2.8 mph/s) (emergency)
HVACAU725/AU726
Electric system(s)1,500 V DC overhead
Current collector(s)Overhead line
BogiesDT61 (powered), TR246 (trailer)
Braking system(s)Regenerative brake, electronically controlled pneumatic brakes
Safety system(s)ATS-P, ATS-SN, D-ATC
Coupling systemShibata type
Multiple workingE233-3000 series (for E231-1000 series only)
Track gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

Design

Trains were manufactured by Tokyu Car Corporation, Kawasaki Heavy Industries and also at JR East's factory at Niitsu in Niigata Prefecture.

The type evolved from the earlier 209 series and E217 series EMUs, with the main visible difference being wider bodies (2,950 mm (9 ft 8 in) compared to the 2,800 mm (9 ft 2 in) for earlier commuter trains), and the prototype train built in 1998 for trials on the Chūō–Sōbu Line was actually classified 209-950 series, later becoming E231-900 series. Full-production E231-0 series trains were subsequently introduced on the Chūō–Sōbu Line (10-car sets) and Jōban Line (10+5-car sets). Other variants include the 11-car E231-500 series for the Yamanote Line, and the E231-800 series with 2,800 mm (9 ft 2 in) wide bodies and end doors for use on Tokyo Metro Tozai Line inter-running services.

From 2000 onward, the first E231-1000 series outer-suburban variant was delivered for use on Utsunomiya Line and Takasaki Line services north from Ueno Station in Tokyo. These trains included transverse seating in some cars and were also equipped with toilets. Production continued into 2006 with trains delivered for use on the Tōkaidō Main Line south from Tokyo. From 2004 onward, two bilevel Green cars were inserted into all E231-1000 series ten-car sets.

Variants

Former operations
  • E231-500 series: 11-car sets used on the Yamanote Line from 21 April 2002 until 20 January 2020
  • E231-900 series: 10-car set used on the Chūō–Sōbu Line from December 1998 until 25 February 2020 (designated as 209-950 series until June 2000)

E231-0 series
E231-0 series
A Jōban Line 10+5 car set in March 2021
Replaced103 series, 103-1000 series, 201 series, 205 series, 205-5000 series
Constructed2000–2006
Entered service13 March 2000
Refurbished2014–2020
Number built725 vehicles
Number in service599 vehicles (76 sets)
(+24 vehicles converted to E231-3000 series)
Number scrapped102 vehicles
Formation5/8/10 cars per trainset
Operator(s)JR East
Depot(s)Keiyō, Matsudo, Mitaka
Previously: Narashino
Line(s) servedChūō–Sōbu Line, Jōban Line, Keiyō Line, Musashino Line, Narita Line, Tōkaidō Line, Ueno–Tokyo Line
Specifications
Car body constructionStainless steel
Width2.95 m (9 ft 8 in)
Doors4 pairs per side (previously also 6 pairs per side)
Traction systemVariable frequency (Mitsubishi IGBT-VVVF)
Traction motorsMT73
Power output95kW Per Motor
TransmissionGear Ratio: 14:99=1:7.07
Electric system(s)1,500 V DC overhead catenary
Current collector(s)PS33B pantograph
Track gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

The first full-production E231-0 series trains were introduced on the Chūō–Sōbu Line between February 2000 and November 2001, with 21 ten-car sets (101–121) based at Narashino Depot in Chiba[2] and 21 ten-car sets (20–25, 28–42) based at Mitaka Depot in Tokyo.[3] They replaced older 103, 201, and 205 series trains. One more ten-car set (57) was delivered to Mitaka Depot in November 2002. In December 2003, all Narashino sets were transferred to Mitaka Depot and renumbered 1–19, 26, and 27. Between October and November 2006, three more sets (80–82) were built to replace three 209-500 series sets transferred to the Keihin–Tōhoku—Negishi Line, creating a total fleet of 46 trains. The Chūō–Sōbu Line sets each contained a six-door car.[4]

New built E231-0 series sets were also delivered to Matsudo Depot between November 2001 and February 2005 for use on Jōban Line services between Ueno and Toride, and also Narita Line services to Narita, replacing the earlier 103 series fleet. A total of 17 ten-car sets (101–117) and 19 five-car sets (121–139) were built.[5]

From December 2009 to November 2011, set 27 was temporarily transferred to Tokyo General Rolling Stock Center and used to deliver new SaHa E231-600 and SaHa E231-4600 trailer cars for the Yamanote Line. In 2012, a "B" suffix was added to all Chūō–Sōbu Line sets (B1–B42, B57, and B80–B82).

Refurbishment

Between 2015 and 2020, all E231-0 series sets underwent a mid-life refurbishment with new equipment. In addition, with the transfer of former Yamanote Line E231-500 series sets to the Chūō–Sōbu Line and to prepare for the installation of platform doors, 40 trains were transferred from the Chūō–Sōbu Line to other lines, while six trains were reformed and remain on the Chūō–Sōbu Line with all six-door cars replaced with excess four-door cars from the other 40 sets.[6]

In late 2014 and early 2015, two Chūō–Sōbu Line sets (B20 and B21, with six-door cars substituted by two trailer cars from B22) were transferred to the Jōban Line (and renumbered 118 and 119)[4] for the extension of the Jōban Line services to Shinagawa Station with the opening of the Ueno–Tokyo Line. This brought the total number of Jōban Line sets to 38 (19 five-car and 19 ten-car sets), all of which were refurbished between 2015 and 2020.

From October 2017 to September 2020, 32 Chūō–Sōbu Line sets were refurbished, shortened to eight cars, and transferred to the Musashino Line (and renumbered MU2–MU21, MU31–MU39, and MU41–MU43) to replace older 205 series and 205-5000 series sets; the first set (MU2) entered service in November 2017.[7]

From November 2017 to October 2019, six Chūō–Sōbu Line sets were refurbished, shortened to four cars, redesignated as E231-3000 series, and transferred to the Hachikō Line and Kawagoe Line.

The first reformed E231-0 series Chūō–Sōbu Line train (with 6 motored cars and no six-door car), numbered set B11 and composed of 8 cars of former set B11 and 2 cars of former set B5, completed refurbishment on 24 April 2018 and reentered into service on 21 May 2018.[8] A total of six reformed ten-car trains remain on the Chūō–Sōbu Line. The last non-reformed trains (with 4 motored cars and a six-door car), sets B80 and B82, were removed from service after 13 March 2020.[9]

Between 17 August[10] and 7 October 2020,[11] Jōban Line set 118 was shortened to 8 cars and modified for use on the Musashino Line at Nagano depot. It was renumbered MU22 and reentered service on 12 October.[12]

Transfers from Chūō–Sōbu Line
Chūō–Sōbu Line transfers and reformations (standard pattern)
Old Chūō–Sōbu
4M6T sets		x41 Car 1
KuHa E231		Car 2
SaHa E231		Car 3
MoHa E231		Car 4
MoHa E230		Car 5
SaHa E230		Car 6
SaHa E231		Car 7
SaHa E231		Car 8
MoHa E231		Car 9
MoHa E230		Car 10
KuHa E230
Type cab + trailertrailermotored pairtrailer
6-door		trailertrailermotored pairtrailer + cab
New Chūō–Sōbu
6M4T sets		x5 Car 1XCar 2Car 3XCar 4Car 7Car 8Car 9Car 10
Hachikō/Kawagoe
-3000 series sets		x5 Car 4XChūō–Sōbu
Car 5		Chūō–Sōbu
Car 6		XXXCar 3Car 2Car 1
Musashino
sets		x31 Car 1XCar 2Car 3XCar 4Car 5Car 6Car 7Car 8
Chūō–Sōbu Line transfers and reformations (non-standard pattern)
Old Chūō–Sōbu
4M6T sets		 Car 1
KuHa E231		Car 2
SaHa E231		Car 3
MoHa E231		Car 4
MoHa E230		Car 5
SaHa E230		Car 6
SaHa E231		Car 7
SaHa E231		Car 8
MoHa E231		Car 9
MoHa E230		Car 10
KuHa E230
Type cab + trailertrailermotored pairtrailer
6-door		trailertrailermotored pairtrailer + cab
Former B5 Hae 41
Car 4		XMitsu B11
Car 5		Mitsu B11
Car 6		XKeyo MU2
Car 4		XHae 41
Car 3		Hae 41
Car 2		Hae 41
Car 1
Former B11 Mitsu B11
Car 1		XMitsu B11
Car 2		Mitsu B11
Car 3		XMitsu B11
Car 4		Mitsu B11
Car 7		Mitsu B11
Car 8		Mitsu B11
Car 9		Mitsu B11
Car 10
Former B20 Mato 118
Car 10		Mato 118
Car 9		Mato 118
Car 8		Mato 118
Car 7		XMato 118
Car 5		Mato 118
Car 4		Mato 118
Car 3		Mato 118
Car 2		Mato 118
Car 1
↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓
Keyo MU22
Car 1		XKeyo MU22
Car 2		Keyo MU22
Car 3		Keyo MU22
Car 5		XKeyo MU22
Car 6		Keyo MU22
Car 7		Keyo MU22
Car 8
Former B21 Mato 119
Car 10		Mato 119
Car 9		Mato 119
Car 8		Mato 119
Car 7		XMato 119
Car 5		Mato 119
Car 4		Mato 119
Car 3		Mato 119
Car 2		Mato 119
Car 1
Former B22 Keyo MU2
Car 1		Keyo MU2
Car 5		Keyo MU2
Car 2		Keyo MU2
Car 3		XMato 118
Car 6		Mato 119
Car 6		Keyo MU2
Car 6		Keyo MU2
Car 7		Keyo MU2
Car 8
↓
Keyo MU22
Car 4

Lines served

10-car Chūō–Sōbu Line 6M4T sets (since 2018)

As of 19 March 2020, six ten-car sets (B10–B12, B14, B26, B27) are based at Mitaka depot in Tokyo and formed as shown below with six motored ("M") cars and four non-powered trailer ("T") cars.[4]

 
← Chiba
Mitaka →
 
Car No.12345678910
Designation TcMM'TMM'TMM'Tc'
Numbering KuHa E231MoHa E231MoHa E230SaHa E231MoHa E231MoHa E230SaHa E231MoHa E231MoHa E230KuHa E230
  • Cars 2, 5, and 8 each have one PS33B single-arm pantograph.
  • Cars 1 and 10 have a wheelchair space.
  • Car 4 is designated as a mildly air-conditioned car.

10-car Jōban Line sets

As of 17 August 2020, 18 ten-car sets (101–117, 119) are based at Matsudo depot in Chiba Prefecture and formed as shown below with four motored ("M") cars and six non-powered trailer ("T") cars.[13]

 
← Narita, Toride
Ueno, Shinagawa →
 
 
Car No.10987654321
Designation TcTMM'TMM'Tc'
Numbering KuHa E231SaHa E231MoHa E231MoHa E230SaHa E231MoHa E231MoHa E230KuHa E230
  • Cars 3 and 8 each have one PS33B single-arm pantograph.[4]
  • Cars 1 and 10 have a wheelchair space.[4]
  • Car 8 is designated as a mildly air-conditioned car.[4]

5-car Jōban Line sets

As of 1 October 2018, 19 five-car sets (121–139) are based at Matsudo depot in Chiba Prefecture and formed as shown below with two motored ("M") cars and three non-powered trailer ("T") cars.[4]

 
← Narita, Toride
Ueno, Shinagawa →
 
 
Car No.1514131211
Designation TcTMM'Tc'
Numbering KuHa E231SaHa E231MoHa E231MoHa E230KuHa E230
  • Car 13 has one PS33B single-arm pantograph.[4]
  • Cars 11 and 15 have a wheelchair space.[4]
  • Car 14 is designated as a mildly air-conditioned car.[4]

8-car Musashino Line sets

As of 12 October 2020, 33 eight-car sets (MU2–MU22, MU31–MU39, MU41–MU43) are based at Keiyō Depot and formed as shown below with four motored ("M") cars and four non-powered trailer ("T") cars.[14]

 
← Tokyo, Kaihinmakuhari, Nishi-Funabashi
Fuchūhommachi →
 
 
 
Car No.12345678
Designation TcMM'TMM'Tc'
Numbering KuHa E231MoHa E231MoHa E230SaHa E231MoHa E231MoHa E230KuHa E230
  • Cars 2 and 6 each have one PS33B single-arm pantograph.[4]
  • Cars 1 and 8 have a wheelchair space.[4]
  • Car 4 is designated as a mildly air-conditioned car.[4]

10-car Chūō–Sōbu Line 4M6T sets (2002 to 2020)
 
← Chiba, Tsudanuma
Nakano, Mitaka →
 
Car No.12345678910
Designation TcTMM'T'TMM'Tc'
Numbering KuHa E231SaHa E231MoHa E231MoHa E230SaHa E230SaHa E231MoHa E231MoHa E230KuHa E230
  • Cars 3 and 8 each had one PS33B single-arm pantograph.[4]
  • Car 5 had six pairs of doors per side.[4]
  • Cars 1 and 10 had a wheelchair space.[4]
  • Car 4 was designated as a mildly air-conditioned car.[4]
  • A Chūō–Sōbu Line 10-car E231-0 series set in August 2022
    A Chūō–Sōbu Line 10-car E231-0 series set in August 2022
  • A Jōban Line 10+5-car E231-0 series formation in July 2008
    A Jōban Line 10+5-car E231-0 series formation in July 2008
  • Musashino Line 8-car E231-0 series set MU19 in January 2023
    Musashino Line 8-car E231-0 series set MU19 in January 2023

Interior
  • Interior view of KuHa E231-71 car
    Interior view of KuHa E231-71 car
  • Priority seating of Moha E230-128 car
    Priority seating of Moha E230-128 car
  • Wheelchair and stroller space of Kuha E230-71 car
    Wheelchair and stroller space of Kuha E230-71 car
  • Passenger information screen
    Passenger information screen

Special liveries

In April 2021, to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the Abiko Branch Line, JR East recolored set 139 into Sōbu/Yokosuka Line blue and cream stripes. Initially, only the cab ends received the commemorative stripes; however, these stripes were later extended to the rest of the train's body.[15] The trainset was painted back into its original livery in late October.

  • Set 139 with the cab front in Sōbu/Yokosuka Line color, April 2021
    Set 139 with the cab front in Sōbu/Yokosuka Line color, April 2021
  • Set 139 in complete Sōbu/Yokosuka Line livery in May 2021
    Set 139 in complete Sōbu/Yokosuka Line livery in May 2021

E231-500 series
E231-500 series
Chūō–Sōbu Line 10-car E231-500 series set A545 in March 2021
Replaced205 series, 209-500 series, E231-0 series
Constructed2002–2005, 2010–2011 (SaHa E231-600, SaHa E231-4600)
Entered service21 April 2002
Refurbished2014–2020
Scrapped2010–2011 (SaHa E230-500 x104)
2020 (SaHa E231-4600 x4)
Number built676 vehicles
Number in service520 vehicles (52 sets)
(+48 vehicles converted to E235 series)
Number scrapped108 vehicles
SuccessorE235-0 series (Yamanote Line)
Formation10 (previously 11) cars per trainset
Fleet numbersA501–A552
Previously: 501-552
Operator(s)JR East
Depot(s)Mitaka
Line(s) servedChūō–Sōbu Line
Previously: Yamanote Line
Specifications
Car body constructionStainless steel
Width2,950 mm (9 ft 8 in)
Doors4 pairs per side (previously also 6 pairs per side)
Electric system(s)1,500 V DC overhead catenary
Current collector(s)PS33B pantograph
Track gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

A fleet of 52 11-car E231-500 series was delivered from January 2002 to April 2005 for use on Yamanote Line services, replacing the earlier 205 series fleet. The first trains entered service on 21 April 2002. These trains include digital automatic train control (D-ATC), and feature pairs of LCD passenger information screens above each door internally. These screens also show advertisements. Each 11-car set originally contained two six-door SaHa E230 trailer cars (cars 7 and 10)[5] with six pairs of doors per side and bench seats that were folded up until 10 a.m. on weekdays to provide standing room only during the morning peak. From 22 February 2010, the seats were able to be used during the morning peak.[16]

SaHa E231-600/-4600 series cars

To standardize door spacing ahead of the introduction of platform doors on all Yamanote Line stations by 2017, the two six-door cars in each set were subsequently replaced by a new build of four-door trailer cars between February 2010 and August 2011,[16] the first of which were delivered from JR East's Niitsu factory on 1 February 2010.[17]

The new SaHa E231-600 cars (new car 7) incorporated some elements from the newer E233 series (most notably seats and handrails).[18] The new SaHa E231-4600 cars (new car 10) were built almost fully to E233 series standards;[19] they also have an irregular door spacing corresponding to the driving cars of Keihin–Tōhoku Line E233-1000 series sets, which occasionally have to share the same platforms during engineering work. This results in interior seating arranged 3-7-7-5-4, instead of the normal 3-7-7-7-3 arrangement.[20]

A Yamanote Line 11-car set in August 2018

Refurbishment

In October 2014, former Yamanote Line set 520 was released from overhaul as a ten-car set, numbered A520, allocated to Mitaka Depot, and finished in the yellow Chūō–Sōbu Line livery.[21] It entered revenue service on the Chūō–Sōbu Line from 1 December 2014.[22] A second set, former Yamanote Line set 540 was converted to a ten-car set for use on the Chūō–Sōbu Line in May 2016, renumbered A540.[23] Between 2017 and 2020, the remaining sets were transferred to the Chūō–Sōbu Line as the E235 series replaced them on the Yamanote Line.[24] The SaHa E231-4600 cars were removed as the Chūō–Sōbu Line uses 10-car trains. As a result, 48 of the 52 surplus SaHa E231-4600 cars were updated to E235 series standards (and re-numbered SaHa E235-4600) and continue to be used on the Yamanote Line, while the remaining 4 cars were scrapped.[25] The last set of E231-500 (Set 506) on the Yamanote Line finished service in January 2020 and was converted for service on the Chūō–Sōbu Line as set A506.[26]

Lines served
  • Chūō–Sōbu Line

Former operations
  • Yamanote Line

10-car Chūō–Sōbu Line sets

As of 3 March 2020, 52 ten-car sets (A501-A552) are based at Mitaka depot in Tokyo and formed as shown below with six motored ("M") cars and four non-powered trailer ("T") cars.[4]

 
← Chiba
Mitaka →
 
Car No.12345678910
Designation TcMM'TMM'TMM'Tc'
Numbering KuHa E231-500MoHa E231-500MoHa E230-500SaHa E231-600MoHa E231-500MoHa E230-500SaHa E231-500MoHa E231-500MoHa E230-500KuHa E230-500
  • Cars 2, 5, and 8 each have one PS33B single-arm pantograph.[4]
  • Cars 1 and 10 have a wheelchair space.[4]
  • Car 4 is designated as a mildly air-conditioned car.[4]

11-car Yamanote Line sets (2010 to 2020)
 
← Counterclockwise (Inner)
Clockwise (Outer) →
 
Car No.1110987654321
Designation TcTMM'TMM'TMM'Tc'
Numbering KuHa E231-500SaHa E231-4600MoHa E231-500MoHa E230-500SaHa E231-600MoHa E231-500MoHa E230-500SaHa E231-500MoHa E231-500MoHa E230-500KuHa E230-500
  • Cars 3, 6, and 9 each had one PS33B single-arm pantograph.[4]
  • Cars 1 and 11 had a wheelchair space.[4]
  • Car 4 was designated as a mildly air-conditioned car.[4]

11-car Yamanote Line sets (2002 to 2011)
 
← Counterclockwise (Inner)
Clockwise (Outer) →
 
Car No.1110987654321
Designation TcT'MM'T'MM'TMM'Tc'
Numbering KuHa E231-500SaHa E230-500MoHa E231-500MoHa E230-500SaHa E230-500MoHa E231-500MoHa E230-500SaHa E231-500MoHa E231-500MoHa E230-500KuHa E230-500
  • Cars 3, 6, and 9 each had one PS33B single-arm pantograph.
  • Cars 7 and 10 was a "six door car" meaning it had six pairs of doors per side.
  • Cars 1 and 11 had a wheelchair space.
  • Car 4 was designated as a mildly air-conditioned car.
  • SaHa E230-500 6-door car as car No. 10 in June 2010
    SaHa E230-500 6-door car as car No. 10 in June 2010
  • Replacement SaHa E231-4600 4-door car as car No. 10 in June 2010
    Replacement SaHa E231-4600 4-door car as car No. 10 in June 2010
  • Replacement SaHa E231-600 4-door car as car No. 7 in March 2010
    Replacement SaHa E231-600 4-door car as car No. 7 in March 2010

Interior
  • Interior view of SaHa E231-500 car
    Interior view of SaHa E231-500 car
  • Interior view of SaHa E230-500 car with seats folded up for the rush hour
    Interior view of SaHa E230-500 car with seats folded up for the rush hour
  • Interior view of SaHa E231-4600 car, showing E233 series derived interior, April 2010
    Interior view of SaHa E231-4600 car, showing E233 series derived interior, April 2010
  • Passenger information screen
    Passenger information screen

Special liveries

From 7 September to 4 December 2009, E231-500 series set 502 carried an all-over brown livery to mark the 100th anniversary of the naming of Yamanote Line in collaboration with the Meiji Seika confectionery company.

From 16 January to 28 December 2013, Yamanote Line E231-500 series set 545 operated in an all-over uguisu light green livery to mark the 50th anniversary of the first appearance of 103 series EMUs in this colour scheme.[27]

From 11 October 2014 to 31 March 2015, Yamanote Line E231-500 series set 514 operated in an all-over "red brick" livery to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the opening of Tokyo Station, which opened in 1914.[28]

  • Set 502 in all-over brown livery in October 2009
    Set 502 in all-over brown livery in October 2009
  • Set 545 in all-over light green livery in January 2013
    Set 545 in all-over light green livery in January 2013
  • Set 514 in "red brick" livery in October 2014
    Set 514 in "red brick" livery in October 2014

E231-800 series
E231-800 series
An E231-800 series set in July 2022
Replaced103-1200 series, 301 series
Constructed2003
Entered service1 May 2003
Number built70 vehicles
Number in service70 vehicles (7 sets)
Formation10 cars per trainset
Fleet numbersK1–K7
Operator(s)JR East
Depot(s)Mitaka
Line(s) servedChūō–Sōbu Line, Tokyo Metro Tozai Line
Specifications
Car body constructionStainless steel
Width2,800 mm (9 ft 2 in)
Doors4 pairs per side
Electric system(s)1,500 V DC overhead catenary
Current collector(s)PS33B pantograph
Safety system(s)ATC, ATS-SN/P[29]
Track gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

The E231-800 series (E231系800番台) fleet consists of seven 10-car sets (K1 to K7), which are based at Mitaka Depot for use on Chūō–Sōbu Line and Tokyo Metro Tozai Line inter-running services. These sets were delivered between January and May 2003, entering service on 1 May 2003[5][30] and replacing the ageing fleet of 103 and 301 series sets.[29]

The design of the E231-800 series is largely similar to that of the 209-1000 series—which was also designed with subway interoperation in mind—featuring end gangways that are used for emergency egress. Furthermore, the car bodies are 2,800 millimetres (9 ft 2 in) wide,[29] as opposed to 2,950 millimetres (9 ft 8 in) for the rest of the E231 series fleet.[1] They also have an increased power output due to the conditions of the Tozai Line.[29]

Lines served
  • Tokyo Metro Tozai Line
  • Chūō–Sōbu Line (Mitaka - Nakano; Nishi-Funabashi - Tsudanuma)

Formations

As of 1 October 2018, seven ten-car sets (K1 to K7) are based at Mitaka depot in Tokyo and formed as shown below with six motored ("M") cars and four non-powered trailer ("T") cars.[4][29]

 
← Tsudanuma, Nishi-Funabashi
Nakano, Mitaka →
 
 
Car No.12345678910
Designation TcMM'TMM'TMM'Tc'
Numbering KuHa E231-800MoHa E231-800MoHa E230-800SaHa E231-800MoHa E231-800MoHa E230-800SaHa E231-800MoHa E231-800MoHa E230-800KuHa E230-800
Weight (t) 26.128.828.622.828.828.322.628.828.626.1
Capacity (total/seated) 141/46156/51156/54156/51141/46
  • Cars 2, 5, and 8 each have one PS33B single-arm pantograph.[4]
  • Cars 2 and 9 have a wheelchair space.[4]
  • Car 4 is designated as a mildly air-conditioned car.[4]

E231-900 series
E231-900 series
Musashino Line E231-900 series in July 2020
Replaced205 series
Constructed1998 (as 209-950 series)
Entered serviceDecember 1998
RefurbishedJune 2000, March–July 2020
Number built10 vehicles
Number in service8 vehicles (1 set)
Number scrapped2 vehicles
Formation8 (previously 10) cars
Fleet numbersMU1
Previously: B901
Operator(s)JR East
Depot(s)Keiyō
Previously: Mitaka
Line(s) servedKeiyō Line, Musashino Line
Previously: Chūō–Sōbu Line
Specifications
Car body constructionStainless steel
Width2,950 mm (9 ft 8 in)
Doors4 pairs per side (previously also 6 pairs per side)
Electric system(s)1,500 V DC overhead catenary
Current collector(s)PS33B pantograph
Track gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

This was the prototype E231 series set, built jointly by Tokyu Car and JR East's Niitsu factory, and delivered in October 1998 for the Chūō–Sōbu Line, classified as 209-950 series. It was reclassified as E231-900 series in June 2000.[4]

On 25 February 2020, it operated its last revenue service on the Chūō–Sōbu Line. The set was refurbished at Ōmiya Rolling Stock Center between 3 March[31] and 10 July[32] for transfer to the Musashino Line and associated through services[32] and reentered service on 20 July.[33]

Lines served

Former operations
  • Chūō–Sōbu Line

8-car Musashino Line

As of 20 July 2020, one eight-car set (MU1) is based at Keiyō Depot and formed as shown below with four motored ("M") cars and four non-powered trailer ("T") cars.[14]

 
← Tokyo, Kaihimmakuhari, Nishi-Funabashi
Fuchūhommachi →
 
 
 
Car No.12345678
Designation TcMM'TMM'Tc'
Numbering KuHa E231-900MoHa E231-900MoHa E230-900SaHa E231-900MoHa E231-900MoHa E230-900KuHa E230-900
  • Cars 2 and 6 each have one PS33B single-arm pantograph.
  • Cars 1 and 8 have a wheelchair space.
  • Car 4 is designated as a mildly air-conditioned car.

10-car Chūō–Sōbu Line (2000 to 2020)
 
← Chiba, Tsudanuma
Nakano, Mitaka →
 
Car No.12345678910
Designation TcTMM'T'TMM'Tc'
Numbering KuHa E231-900SaHa E231-900MoHa E231-900MoHa E230-900SaHa E230-900SaHa E231-900MoHa E231-900MoHa E230-900KuHa E230-900
  • Cars 3 and 8 each had one PS33B single-arm pantograph.[4]
  • Car 5 had six pairs of doors per side.[4]
  • Cars 1 and 10 had a wheelchair space.[4]
  • Car 4 was designated as a mildly air-conditioned car.[4]
  • E231-900 series on Chūō–Sōbu Line in March 2019
    E231-900 series on Chūō–Sōbu Line in March 2019

E231-1000 series
E231-1000 series
A E231-1000 series suburban set on a Tokaido main line service in January 2023
Replaced113 series, 115 series
Constructed2000–2006
Entered service21 June 2000
Number built1255 vehicles
Number in service1255 vehicles (160 sets)
Formation5/10 cars per trainset
Operator(s)JR East
Depot(s)Kōzu, Oyama
Line(s) servedIto Line, Joetsu Line, Ryōmō Line, Shōnan–Shinjuku Line, Takasaki Line, Tōkaidō Main Line, Utsunomiya Line, Yokosuka Line
Specifications
Car body constructionStainless steel
Width2,950 mm (9 ft 8 in)
Doors4 pairs per side
2 doors per side (Green cars)
Electric system(s)1,500 V DC overhead catenary
Current collector(s)PS33B pantograph
Multiple workingE233-3000 series
Track gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

These trains are designed for longer-distance suburban services, and include toilets, transverse seating bays (in some cars only), and bilevel Green cars (10-car sets only). The Ito Line and Joetsu Line mainly use 5-car sets, while the Shōnan–Shinjuku Line, Ueno–Tokyo Line, Takasaki Line, Tōkaidō Main Line, Utsunomiya Line use 10- or 10+5-car sets.

Lines served
SaRo E231-1045 bilevel Green car in a Tōkaidō Main Line set in April 2007
SaRo E230-1047 bilevel Green car in a Tōkaidō Main Line set in July 2010

Ten- and five-car suburban sets based at Oyama and Kōzu depots for use on the following lines.

10-car K sets

As of 1 October 2018, 42 ten-car sets (K-01–K-42) are based at the Kōzu depot in Kanagawa Prefecture and formed as shown below with four motored ("M") cars and six non-powered trailer ("T") cars.[4]

 
← Kuroiso, Maebashi
Zushi, Itō, Numazu →
 
 
Car No.10987654321
Designation TcMM'TTsdTsd'MM'Tc'
Numbering KuHa E231-8500MoHa E231-3500MoHa E230-1500SaHa E231-1000SaRo E231-1000SaRo E230-1000MoHa E231-1500MoHa E230-3500KuHa E230-8000
  • Cars 3 and 9 each have one PS33B single-arm pantograph.[4]
  • Cars 1 and 10 have a wheelchair space.[4]
  • Cars 1, 5, and 10 each have a toilet (universal design in cars 1 and 10).[4]
  • Car 8 is designated as a mildly air-conditioned car.[4]
  • Cars 4 and 5 are bilevel Green Cars.[4]

10-car U sets

As of 1 October 2018, 49 ten-car sets (U501–U541, U584–U591) are based at the Oyama depot in Tochigi Prefecture and formed as shown below with four motored ("M") cars and six non-powered trailer ("T") cars.[4]

 
← Kuroiso, Maebashi
Zushi, Itō, Numazu →
 
 
Car No.10987654321
Designation TcTMM'TTsdTsd'MM'Tc'
Numbering KuHa E231-6000SaHa E231-1000MoHa E231-1000MoHa E230-1000SaHa E231-6000SaRo E231-1000SaRo E230-1000MoHa E231-1500MoHa E230-3500KuHa E230-8000
  • Cars 3 and 8 each have one PS33B single-arm pantograph.[4]
  • Cars 1 and 10 have a wheelchair space.[4]
  • Cars 1, 5, and 6[34] each have a toilet (universal design in car 1, Japanese-style in car 6).[4]
  • Car 8 is designated as a mildly air-conditioned car.[4]
  • Cars 4 and 5 are bilevel Green Cars.[4]

5-car sets

As of 1 October 2018, 34 five-car sets (S-01–S-34) are based at Kōzu depot in Kanagawa Prefecture and 35 five-car sets (U2–U118) are based at Oyama depot in Tochigi Prefecture. They are formed as shown below with two motored ("M") cars and three non-powered trailer ("T") cars.[4]

 
← Kuroiso, Kagohara
Zushi, Numazu →
 
 
Car No.1514131211
Designation TcTMM'Tc'
Numbering KuHa E231-8000SaHa E231-3000MoHa E231-1000MoHa E230-1000KuHa E230-6000
  • Car 13 has one PS33B single-arm pantograph.[4]
  • Cars 11 and 15 have a wheelchair space.[4]
  • Car 11 has a universal design toilet.[4]

Interior
  • Interior of car with longitudinal seating
    Interior of car with longitudinal seating
  • Interior of car with transverse seating bays
    Interior of car with transverse seating bays
  • Toilet
    Toilet
  • Driver's cab end
    Driver's cab end
  • Bilevel Green Car lower deck with 2+2 seating
    Bilevel Green Car lower deck with 2+2 seating
  • Bilevel Green Car upper deck with 2+2 seating
    Bilevel Green Car upper deck with 2+2 seating

E231-3000 series
E231-3000 series
A Hachikō/Kawagoe Line four-car set in March 2018
Replaced205-3000 series, 209-3000 series, 209-3100 series
Entered service19 February 2018
Refurbished2017–2019 (converted from E231-0 series)
2020–2021 (modified for driver-only operation)
Number built24 vehicles
Number in service24 vehicles (6 sets)
Formation4 cars per trainset
Fleet numbers41–46
Operator(s)JR East
Depot(s)Kawagoe
Line(s) servedHachikō Line, Kawagoe Line
Specifications
Car body constructionStainless steel
Width2,950 mm (9 ft 8 in)
Doors4 pairs per side
Electric system(s)1,500 V DC overhead catenary
Current collector(s)PS33B pantograph
Track gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

From 2017, former E231-0 series ten-car sets based at Mitaka Depot for use on Chūō–Sōbu Line services were reformed and converted to become four-car E231-3000 series sets based at Kawagoe for use on Kawagoe Line and Hachikō Line services.[35] The first set entered revenue service on the line on 19 February 2018.[36]

Between June 2020 and September 2021, the trains were modified for driver-only operation (wanman (ワンマン, "one man")).

Lines served
  • Hachikō Line (Hachiōji - Komagawa)
  • Kawagoe Line (Komagawa - Kawagoe)

Formation

As of 8 October 2019, six four-car sets (41-46) are based at Kawagoe depot in Saitama and formed as shown below with two motored ("M") cars and two non-powered trailer ("T") cars.[4]

 
← Kawagoe
Hachiōji →
 
 
Car No.4321
Designation TcMM'Tc'
Numbering KuHa E231-3000MoHa E231-3000MoHa E230-3000KuHa E230-3000
  • Car 3 has one PS33B single-arm pantograph.[4]
  • Cars 1 and 4 have a wheelchair space.[4]

Former set/car identities

The former identities of the E231-3000 series sets are as follows.[4]

Set No.Car numbersFormer set No.Former car numbers
41 KuHa E231-3001MoHa E231-3001MoHa E230-3001KuHa E230-3001B5KuHa E231-5MoHa E231-10MoHa E230-10KuHa E230-5
42 KuHa E231-3002MoHa E231-3002MoHa E230-3002KuHa E230-3002B6KuHa E231-6MoHa E231-12MoHa E230-12KuHa E230-6
43 KuHa E231-3003MoHa E231-3003MoHa E230-3003KuHa E230-3003B7KuHa E231-7MoHa E231-14MoHa E230-14KuHa E230-7
44 KuHa E231-3004MoHa E231-3004MoHa E230-3004KuHa E230-3004B8KuHa E231-8MoHa E231-16MoHa E230-16KuHa E230-8
45 KuHa E231-3005MoHa E231-3005MoHa E230-3005KuHa E230-3005B16KuHa E231-16MoHa E231-32MoHa E230-32KuHa E230-16
46 KuHa E231-3006MoHa E231-3006MoHa E230-3006KuHa E230-3006B17KuHa E231-17MoHa E231-34MoHa E230-34KuHa E230-17

Accidents

On the evening of 5 August 2023, a Tokaido Line service led by E231-1000 series set S-14 struck a utility pole near Ofuna and lost power, reportedly due to getting caught by an overhead wire and pulling the pole.[37] The accident resulted in four people, including the driver, sustaining minor injuries.[38] The lead car of the set was damaged, and 1,500 passengers were evacuated after two hours. Service was restored on the morning of 6 August.

See also

References
  1. Jēāru zensharyō handobukku: Rail Magazine 2009 JR全車輌ハンドブック2009 [JR Rolling Stock Handbook 2009]. Japan: Neko Publishing. 2009. ISBN 978-4-7770-0836-0.
  2. "E231系習志野電車区編成表（2003年11月末時点）" [E231 series Narashino Depot formations (November 2003)].
  3. "E231系三鷹車両センター編成表（2009年11月末時点）" [E231 series Mitaka Depot formations (November 2009)].
  4. JR電車編成表 2019冬 [JR EMU Formations - Winter 2019]. Japan: Kotsu Shimbunsha. 14 November 2018. pp. 49, 62–63, 72, 74–77, 80–81, 96–99. ISBN 978-4-330-93218-7.
  5. JR電車編成表 2009夏 [JR EMU Formations - Summer 2009]. Japan: Kotsu Shimbunsha. June 2009. ISBN 978-4-330-06909-8.
  6. "中央総武緩行線からの転出". 28 October 2014. Retrieved 21 July 2018.
  7. 武蔵野線にE231系が登場 [E231 series appears on the Musashino Line]. Japan Railfan Magazine (in Japanese). Vol. 58, no. 681. Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. January 2018. p. 52.
  8. "【JR東】E231系ミツB11編成営業運転開始" [JR East - E231 series set B11 entered into service]. Retrieved 14 March 2020.
  9. "E231系、八ミツB80・B82編成が運用離脱" [E231 series sets B80 and B82 removed from service]. Retrieved 14 March 2020.
  10. "【JR東】E231系マト118編成 長野総合車両センター入場回送" [[JR East] Matsudo Depot E231 series set 118 entered Nagano depot]. 17 August 2020.
  11. "【JR東】E231系元マト118編成 長野総合車両センター出場" [[JR East] Former Matsudo Depot E231 series set 118 exited Nagano depot]. 7 October 2020.
  12. "【JR東】E231系ケヨMU22編成 営業運転開始" [[JR East] Keiyo Depot E231 series set MU22 entered in service]. 10 October 2020.
  13. "E231系松戸車両センター編成表（最新版）" [E231 Matsudo Depot formations (latest)]. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
  14. "E231系京葉車両センター編成表（最新版）" [E231 Keiyō Depot formations (latest)]. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
  15. 「スカ色」帯のE231系が運行開始 成田線我孫子～成田間開業120周年の記念列車で ["Suka-colored" E231 series begins operation on the Narita Line between Akibo and Narita]. Traffic News (in Japanese). Mediavague Co., Ltd. 30 April 2021. Retrieved 14 June 2022.
  16. "山手線6扉車を順次4扉車に (Yamanote Line 6-door cars to be gradually replaced with 4-door cars)". Hobidas (in Japanese). Neko Publishing. 17 February 2010. Retrieved 17 February 2010.
  17. 山手線用E231系4ドア車配給輸送 [Yamanote Line E231 series 4-door cars delivered] (in Japanese). 1 February 2010. Retrieved 1 February 2010.
  18. "E231系500番台「山手線」 - 600番台（7号車）" [E231-500 series [Yamanote Line] - 600 series (car 7)]. Retrieved 25 January 2020.
  19. "E231系500番台「山手線」 - 4600番台（10号車）" [E231-500 series [Yamanote Line] - 4600 series (car 10)]. Retrieved 25 January 2020.
  20. "山手線電車１００周年" [100th anniversary of Yamanote Line trains]. Japan Railfan Magazine. Vol. 50, no. 586. Japan: Koyusha. February 2010. p. 57.
  21. E231系500番台が中央・総武緩行線仕様となって出場 [E231-500 series outshopped in Chūō–Sōbu Line style]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 29 October 2014. Retrieved 30 November 2014.
  22. 中央総武緩行線でE231系500番台が営業運転を開始 [E231-500 series enters revenue service on Chūō–Sōbu Line]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 2 December 2014. Retrieved 2 December 2014.
  23. E231系トウ540編成が三鷹車両センターに転属 [E231 series set 540 transferred to Mitaka Depot]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 20 May 2016. Archived from the original on 11 June 2016. Retrieved 11 June 2016.
  24. "「山手線・中央総武緩行線の世代交代」について". Retrieved 21 July 2018.
  25. "廃車確認済みのE231系6両が解体完了（東京・長野）" [Scrapping of 6 decommissioned E231 series cars completed (Tokyo, Nagano depots)]. 20 December 2020.
  26. "【JR東】E231系A506編成東京総合車両センター出場回送 |2nd-train鉄道ニュース". 2nd-train (in Japanese). Retrieved 3 July 2020.
  27. 「みどりの山手線ラッピングトレイン」を運行します ["Green Yamanote Line Train" to operate] (PDF). News release (in Japanese). Japan: East Japan Railway Company. 19 December 2012. Retrieved 19 December 2012.
  28. "E231系トウ514編成に東京駅開業100周年記念のラッピング" [E231 series set 514 in Tokyo Station 100th anniversary commemorative livery]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 12 October 2014. Retrieved 13 October 2014.
  29. JR東日本E231系800番台 [JR East E231-800 series]. Japan Railfan Magazine (in Japanese). Vol. 43, no. 505. Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. May 2003. pp. 58–65. Retrieved 22 May 2022. (subscription required)
  30. "JR東日本 E231系800番代 5月1日に営業運転を開始" [JR East E231-800 series enters revenue service on 1 May]. Tetsudō Daiya Jōhō. 32 (231): 72. July 2003.
  31. "POST 3/3、E231系900番が大宮総合車両センターに入場" [E231-900 series entered Ōmiya Rolling Stock Center]. Railfan. Koyusha Co., Ltd. 60 (8号（通巻第712号）): 142. 19 June 2020.
  32. JRR (18 November 2020). "転属車両（令和02）年度 上半期". JR電車編成表. Vol. 2021 winter. Transportation News Co.,Ltd. p. 361. ISBN 978-4-330-08220-2.
  33. "【元209系】E231系900番台試作車・MU1編成として武蔵野線で"再出発"" [[Former 209 series] E231-900 series prototype train restarts on Musashino Line as MU1]. 20 July 2020.
  34. "E231系小山車両センター編成表（最新版）" [E231 series Oyama Depot EMU formations (latest)] (in Japanese). Retrieved 17 November 2018.
  35. E231系3000番台4両が配給輸送される [E231-3000 series 4-car set transferred]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 29 November 2017. Archived from the original on 29 November 2017. Retrieved 29 November 2017.
  36. 八高線用の209系3500番台が試運転 [Hachikō Line 209-3500 series undergoes test-running]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 21 February 2018. Archived from the original on 21 February 2018. Retrieved 21 February 2018.
  37. 【速報】JR東海道線が電柱と接触し立ち往生　車内は停電　乗客を線路に下ろし誘導 [[Breaking News] JR Tokaido Line train loses power after hitting a utility pole; Passengers guided down to the track]. Abema News (in Japanese). 5 August 2023. Archived from the original on 6 August 2023 – via TV Asahi.
  38. "Services resume after 1,500 trapped in train near Tokyo". Kyodo News. Yokohama. 6 August 2023. Archived from the original on 6 August 2023.

Further reading
  • 首都圏新系列車両 Profile: 209/E231/E233系グループの全貌 首都圏新系列車両PROFILE [Tokyo Area New-generation Rolling Stock Profile]. Japan: Ikaros Publishing. 15 April 2011. ISBN 978-4-86320-436-2.
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