Akagi
An E257-5500 series EMU on an Akagi service, March 2023
Overview
Service typeLimited express
StatusOperational
LocaleTokyo / Gunma Prefecture
First service10 March 1960 (Semi express)
14 March 1985 (Limited express)
Current operator(s)JR East
Former operator(s)JNR
Route
TerminiUeno or Shinjuku
Takasaki
Distance travelled111.2 km (69.1 mi)[1]
Line(s) usedTohoku Main Line, Takasaki Line
On-board services
Class(es)Green + Standard
Seating arrangements2+2 unidirectional
Technical
Rolling stockE257-5500 series EMUs
Track gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
Electrification1,500 V DC overhead
Operating speed110 km/h (70 mph)[2]

The Akagi (あかぎ) is a limited express train service in Japan operated by the East Japan Railway Company (JR East). It runs between Tokyo (Ueno or Shinjuku stations) and Maebashi in Gunma Prefecture. Some trains run to or from Takasaki or Honjō.

Rolling stock

From the start of the revised timetable on 18 March 2023, modified E257-5500 series 5-car EMUs were introduced on Akagi services, replacing the aging 651-1000 series 7-car trains.[3]

Former rolling stock

From the start of the revised timetable on 15 March 2014, refurbished 651 series EMUs were introduced on Akagi services, replacing the aging 185 series trains.[4] Until March 2016,[5] one return service to and from Shinjuku continued to use 185 series rolling stock.[4]

History

The Akagi service first started on 10 March 1960 as a semi-express service operating between Ueno and Maebashi.[6] From 14 March 1985, the service was upgraded to limited express status.[6]

From 18 November 2013, one car (car 3 in 7- and 10-car formations, and cars 3 and 10 in 14-car formations) was designated as a reserved-seating car.[7]

From the start of the revised timetable on 15 March 2014, eleven Akagi services running during weekday peak commuting hours were renamed Swallow Akagi (スワローあかぎ) with all ordinary-class seats reservable.[4]

Since 13 March 2021, this limited express has not run on Ryomo Line and Joetsu Line.[8]

Effective 18 March 2023, all Swallow Akagi services were converted back to ordinary Akagi services with all departures requiring a reservation.[9]

See also

References

  1. ↑ こだわりの新幹線＆特急列車ガイド [In-depth Shinkansen & Limited Express Guide]. Japan: Ikaros Publishing. August 2000. ISBN 4-87149-284-2.
  2. ↑ ＪＲ新幹線＆特急列車ファイル [JR Shinkansen & Limited Express Train File]. Japan: Kōtsū Shimbun. 2008. p. 72. ISBN 978-4-330-00608-6.
  3. 1 2 特急“草津・四万"・"あかぎ"，E257系による運転開始 [Limited express "Kusatsu/Shiman", "Akagi" begin operation using E257 series]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 18 March 2023. Retrieved 24 March 2023.
  4. 1 2 3 ２０１４年３月ダイヤ改正について [March 2014 timetable revision details] (PDF). News release (in Japanese). Japan: East Japan Railway Company. 20 December 2013. p. 4. Retrieved 20 December 2013.
  5. ↑ 185系による“あかぎ"・"スワローあかぎ”運転終了 [185 series ceases operation on "Akagi" and "Swallow Akagi"]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 26 March 2016. Retrieved 24 March 2023.
  6. 1 2 列車名鑑1995 [Train Name Directory 1995]. Japan: Railway Journal. August 1995.
  7. ↑ 特 急「あかぎ」号に確実に座れる「指定席車両」を設定いたします！ [Reserved-seating car to be provided on limited express Akagi services] (PDF). News release (in Japanese). Japan: East Japan Railway Company – Takasaki Branch Office. 19 September 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 September 2013. Retrieved 20 October 2013.
  8. ↑ Discontiued that AKAGI extended to Maebashi on Ryomo Line
  9. ↑ "JR東日本，3月18日にダイヤ改正を実施" [JR East Implements Schedule Revision Effective 18 March 2023]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). 16 December 2022. Archived from the original on 19 December 2022. Retrieved 19 December 2022.
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