Monday 14 April 2014

Train in Yokohama: New Model on the Yokohama Line

EMU JR East E233-6000 series arrives at Kamoi Station on the Yokohama Line
 
Replacement of the old trains is under way in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Following the Saikyo Line, the Yokohama Line has also been modernized with the introduction of a new model.

The JR East Yokohama Line is a commuter route in the Yokohama area. It was opened in 1908 to transport silk from the midland area to Yokohama Port. Connecting Higashi-Kanagawa and Hachioji, the route length is 42.6km. The trains on the Yokohama Line are directly operated into the Keihin-Tohoku and Negishi Line to Ofuna.

An 8-car train, the EMU 205 series, has been operated as a singular model on the Yokohama Line; however, the situation has drastically changed recently. On February 16th this year, JR East launched a brand new train, the EMU E233-6000 series, on this route. The company plans to introduce a total of 28 sets, 224 units, by this August. It means that the entire 205 series will be retired from the Yokohama Line.

The E233-6000 series has a stainless steel body with a light green colored stripe. Light green is the "line color" of the Yokohama Line. The logo for the "YOKOHAMA LINE" is displayed on the front of the train.

The specification of the E233-6000 series is mostly the same as that of the E233-7000 series on the Saikyo Line. Induction motors with a VVVF inverter control system are equipped. LED lights are widely used for interior illumination to reduce the electric consumption.

The E233-6000 series will be a front man for the transportation in Yokohama City.

 
EMU JR East E233-6000 series stands at Sakuragi-cho Station on the Negishi Line