Izukyu 3000 series
The Izukyu 3000 series (Japanese: 伊豆急行3000系, Hepburn: Izu Kyūkō 3000-kei), branded "Aloha Train", is an electric multiple unit train type operated by the private railway operator Izukyu Corporation. Entering service on 30 April 2022, the fleet of two 4-car sets was inherited in 2021 from East Japan Railway Company (JR East) 209 series fleet, which had previously been used on services throughout the Bōsō Peninsula.
Izukyu 3000 series Aloha Train | |
---|---|
In service | 30 April 2022 – present |
Constructed | 1994–1996[1] |
Number built | 10 vehicles |
Number in service | 8 vehicles (2 sets) |
Formation | 4 cars per set |
Operator(s) | Izukyu Corporation |
Line(s) served |
History
Background
JR East introduced the 209 series in 1993, initially on the Keihin–Tōhoku Line and Negishi Line, to replace the 103 series trains that were previously used on the line.[2] Later examples would be introduced for use on a number of lines, such as the Nambu Line and the Kawagoe Line. Designed to be a low-cost, lightweight, minimal-lifespan vehicle, the 209 series design set the standard for subsequent JR East commuter train designs. From 2009, some Keihin–Tōhoku–Negishi Line-allocated sets were transferred and refurbished to operate throughout the Bōsō Peninsula, following the introduction of newer E233 series trains. Much of the Bōsō-allocated fleet was replaced from 2021, with the introduction of new E131 series trains, as many of the lines within the region were modified to accommodate one-man operation.[1]
Inheritance by Izukyu Corporation
In July 2021, Izukyu Corporation announced its plan to procure 209 series trains that were previously operated by JR East on services throughout the Bōsō Peninsula.[2] Ten former 209 series cars were inherited by November of that year.[3][4] The following month, Izukyu announced that the fleet would be given the classification "3000 series".[5]
The 3000 series incorporates a Hawaii-inspired theme; this is reflected through the brand name "Aloha Train",[6] a Honu-inspired external wrapping pattern, a color scheme borrowed from the "Resort 21" trainsets,[7] and internal door wrappings of various seas in Izu. They are also the first members of the Izukyu fleet to incorporate variable-frequency drive (VVVF) technology and also did not require large-scale refurbishment. In contrast, the older 8000 series trains inherited from Tokyu Corporation required the installation of toilets, onboard passenger information displays, electrical coupling, and transverse seating; these features were already included with the 3000 series sets upon their inheritance by Izukyu Corporation.[1]
The 3000 series fleet was introduced into service on 30 April 2022.[8] Originally, the fleet was only used on the Izu Kyuko Line, but on 13 June 2022, they began use on the JR Ito Line as well.[9]
References
- "伊豆急、JR通勤車を「ハワイアン」に改造した狙い" [Izukyu aims to "Hawaiian-ize" former JR commuter trains]. Toyo Keizai Online (in Japanese). 30 April 2022. Archived from the original on 3 May 2022. Retrieved 4 May 2022.
- "伊豆に渡った「無塗装209系」にSNS騒然 "走ルンです"じゃなかった? 桜木町の出会い再び". Traffic News (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 25 April 2022. Retrieved 10 April 2022.
- "209系C601編成が伊豆急へ" [209 series set C601 to Izukyu]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 24 November 2021. Archived from the original on 29 January 2022. Retrieved 10 April 2022.
- "伊豆急行で『209系(無塗装)車両撮影会』開催". Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). 12 December 2021. Archived from the original on 13 December 2021. Retrieved 10 April 2022.
- 元JR東日本209系、伊豆急行での車両形式は「3000系」来春デビュー [Izukyu reclassifies former JR East 209 series as "3000 series"]. Mynavi News (in Japanese). Japan: Mynavi Corporation. 13 December 2021. Archived from the original on 14 December 2021. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
- "伊豆急行3000系の愛称は「アロハ電車」に 〜2022年4月下旬から営業運転開始予定〜" [The nickname for the Izukyu 3000 series is "Aloha Train"]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 5 March 2022. Archived from the original on 10 April 2022. Retrieved 10 April 2022.
- "伊豆急行3000系「アロハ電車」デザイン公開、4/29に試乗会&撮影会" [Izu Kyuko 3000 series "Aloha Train" design revealed]. Mynavi News (in Japanese). Japan: Mynavi Corporation. 7 March 2022. Archived from the original on 4 May 2022. Retrieved 4 May 2022.
- 伊豆急行3000系「アロハ電車」がデビュー - 元JR東日本209系を改造 [Izu Kyuko 3000 series enters service - former JR East 209 series trains]. Mynavi News (in Japanese). Mynavi Corporation. 1 May 2022. Archived from the original on 4 May 2022. Retrieved 4 May 2022.
- "【出発式レポ】伊豆急「アロハ電車」JR伊東線乗り入れスタート" [[Departure ceremony held] Izukyu "Aloha Train" begins operation on the JR Ito Line]. Tetsudo Shimbun (in Japanese). 13 June 2022. Retrieved 23 July 2022.