Sazanami (train)

Sazanami
A E257-500 series EMU on a Sazanami service in October 2006
Overview
Service typeLimited express
StatusOperational
LocaleChiba Prefecture
First service15 July 1972
Current operator(s)JR East
Former operator(s)JNR
Route
TerminiTokyo
Kimitsu
Distance travelled128.9 km (80.1 mi)
Line(s) usedKeiyo Line, Uchibo Line, Sobu Line
On-board services
Catering facilitiesTrolley service
Technical
Rolling stockE257-500 series EMUs
Track gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
Electrification1,500 V DC overhead
Operating speed120 km/h (75 mph)

The Sazanami (さざなみ) is a limited express train service in Japan operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East). It runs between Tokyo and Tateyama via the Keiyo Line and Uchibō Line.[1]

Seasonal Shinjuku Sazanami services operate at certain weekends between Shinjuku and Tateyama.

As of 12 March 2022, 5 outbound trains and 3 inbound trains are operated each day, except on Saturdays and holidays.[2] These trains stop at the following stations listed below:

Tokyo - Soga - Goi - (Anegasaki) - Kisarazu - Kimitsu

Rolling stock

  • A E257-500 series EMU on a Shinjuku Sazanami service in May 2010 at Akihabara Station
    A E257-500 series EMU on a Shinjuku Sazanami service in May 2010 at Akihabara Station
  • A 255 series EMU on a Sazanami service in March 2008
    A 255 series EMU on a Sazanami service in March 2008

Former rolling stock

  • A 189 series EMU on a Shinjuku Sazanami service in February 2007
    A 189 series EMU on a Shinjuku Sazanami service in February 2007

Formations

Sazanami trains are formed as shown below, with car 1 at the Tokyo end.[2]

5-car E257 series

Car No. 1 2 3 4 5
Numbering KuHa E256-500 MoHa E257-1500 MoHa E256-500 MoHa E257-500 KuHa E257-500
Accommodation Reserved Reserved Reserved Non-reserved Non-reserved

9-car 255 series (No. 6 only)

Car No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Numbering KuHa 254 MoHa 254 MoHa 255 SaRo 255 SaHa 254 SaHa 255 MoHa 254 MoHa 255 KuHa 255
Accommodation Reserved Reserved Reserved Green Reserved Non-reserved Non-reserved Non-reserved Non-reserved

History

  • 15 July 1972 - Sazanami service starts coinciding with opening of the underground Sōbu Line platforms at Tokyo Station.
  • 16 March 1991 - Sazanami service are rerouted via the Keiyo Line from Tokyo.
  • 2 July 1993 - 255 series EMUs are introduced on View Sazanami services from Tokyo to Chikura.
  • 16 October 2004 - E257-500 series EMUs are introduced.
  • 10 December 2005 - The View Sazanami name is discontinued, and all services are made entirely no-smoking.[4]

The opening of the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line road across the Tokyo Bay in 1997 saw increased competition from long-distance bus services offering cheaper fares, resulting in decreasing ridership figures on the Sazanami services.[5] From the start of the 15 March 2014 timetable revision, the number of services was reduced to six return workings daily.[5]

See also

References

  1. ^ JR新幹線＆特急列車ファイル [JR Shinkansen & Limited Express Train File]. Japan: Kotsu Shimbun. 2008. p. 66. ISBN 978-4-330-00608-6.
  2. ^ a b 千葉を走る列車＞さざなみ：EAST JAPAN RAILWAY COMPANY Chiba branch (Japanese)
  3. ^ a b 日本と世界の鉄道カタログ'97~'98 [Japan and World Railway Catalogue 1997-1998] (in Japanese). Japan: Seibido Publishing. 17 August 1997. pp. 147, 157. ISBN 4-415-09254-3.
  4. ^ ２００５年１２月ダイヤ改正について [Details of December 2005 Timetable Revision] (PDF) (Press release) (in Japanese). East Japan Railway Company. 30 September 2005. Retrieved 25 June 2012.
  5. ^ a b 房総特急　引き潮　高速道充実で利用者減少 [Boso limited expresses ebbing: Passenger numbers falling due to improved expressway network]. Tokyo Shimbun Web (in Japanese). Japan: The Chunichi Shimbun. 25 March 2015. Archived from the original on 26 March 2014. Retrieved 26 March 2014.

External links

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