The Aoimori 703 series (青い森703系) is an electric multiple unit (EMU) train type operated by the third-sector railway operator Aoimori Railway on the Aoimori Railway Line in Aomori Prefecture, Japan, since March 2014.[2]

Aoimori 703 series
A 703 series set at Aomori Station in October 2015
ManufacturerJ-TREC
Built atYokohama
Constructed2013
Entered service15 March 2014
Number built4 vehicles (2 sets)
Number in service4 vehicles (2 sets)
Formation2 cars per trainset
Capacity270 per set
OperatorsAoimori Railway
Lines servedAoimori Railway Line
Specifications
Car body constructionStainless steel
Car length20,000 mm (65 ft 7 in)
Width2,950 mm (9 ft 8 in)
Height43,550 mm (142 ft 11 in)
Doors3 pairs per side
Maximum speed110 km/h (68 mph) (service)
120 km/h (75 mph) (design)[1]
Electric system(s)20 kV AC, 50 Hz
Current collector(s)Overhead lines
Track gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

Overview

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Based on the JR East E721 series EMUs first introduced in 2006, two two-car 703 series trains were manufactured by J-TREC in Yokohama, Kanagawa.[3][4] Built at a total cost of 800 million yen, one set was purchased directly by the Aoimori Railway, and one set is leased.[5]

Formation

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The two two-car sets consist of one motored ("Mc") car and one unpowered trailer ("Tc") car, and are formed as shown below.[1]

Car No. 1 2
Designation Tc Mc
Numbering Aoimori 702-1x Aoimori 703-1x

The "Mc" car is fitted with one single-arm pantograph.[1]

Interior

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Passenger accommodation consists of a mixture of transverse seating bays and longitudinal bench seating.[2] Passenger information is provided by LED displays above the doorways.[3] The trains are equipped with universal access toilets.[1]

History

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The two sets on order were delivered from J-TREC's Yokohama factory to Aomori in November 2013.[6] The two sets entered revenue service from the start of the revised timetable on 15 March 2014.[2]

Future plans

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Effective the timetable revision on 18 March 2023, 703 series will operate as far south as Sannohe Station on the Aoimori Railway Line.[7] Trains currently only operate as far south as Hachinohe Station.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d 青い森鉄道 青い森703系 [Aoimori Railway Aoimori 703 series]. Japan Railfan Magazine (in Japanese). Vol. 54, no. 636. Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. April 2014. pp. 66–67.
  2. ^ a b c 3月15日ダイヤ改正と各地の話題 [15 March timetable revision and topics from around the regions]. Tetsudō Daiya Jōhō Magazine (in Japanese). Vol. 43, no. 361. Japan: Kotsu Shimbun. May 2014. p. 15.
  3. ^ a b 青い森鉄道 青い森703系を導入 [Aoimori Railway to introduce Aoimori 703 series]. Japan Railfan Magazine (in Japanese). Vol. 53, no. 632. Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. December 2013. p. 59.
  4. ^ 甲種・特大運行計画2013年11月 [November 2013 Delivery and Oversize Load Schedules]. Train (in Japanese). 39 (467): 147. November 2013.
  5. ^ 青い森鉄道:来年3月に新型車両 バリアフリー化や定員増 [Aoimori Railway to introduce new trains from March next year: Improved accessibility and increased capacity]. Mainichi.jp (in Japanese). Japan: The Mainichi Newspapers. 25 September 2013. Archived from the original on 27 November 2013. Retrieved 27 November 2013.
  6. ^ 青い森703系が甲種輸送される [Aomori 703 series delivered]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 27 November 2013. Retrieved 27 November 2013.
  7. ^ "青い森703系の運行区間拡大、三戸駅へ – 青い森鉄道3/18ダイヤ改正" [Aoimori Series 703 service expanded to Sannohe Station effective 18 March]. MyNavi Corporation (in Japanese). 22 December 2022. Archived from the original on 23 December 2022. Retrieved 24 December 2022.
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