Wednesday 3 April 2019

New Timetable on the Keio Line

5731F of the EMU Keio 5000 series, "Keio Liner", travels on the Keio line

On February 26th, Keio Electric Railway Company changed their timetable for the first time in a year. What was new with this commuter railway?

Keio increased the operation number of Keio Liner, which is the reserved seat train on their Keio and Sagamihara Line. Keio Liner debuted last year as Keio's first reserved seat train. The number of operations was 5 for Keio-Hachioji and another 5 for Hashimoto every day. They were all westbound trains operated at night. This time, Keio has started operation of an eastbound Keio Liner as well. The total number of operations increased from 10 to 14 on a weekday. It is convenient for long distance commuters, who live in the western suburb of Tokyo to secure their seats. The fee for a seat reservation is 400 yen.

Keio Liner has a similar concept with those of Keikyu Wing, Tobu TJ Liner, Seibu S-train and JR East's so-called Commuter Liner. The train model for Keio Liner is the EMU 5000 series launched in 2017. A total of five sets, 50 cars, were built by J-TREC. This model has multi-purpose seats, which the conductor can change from long seats to cross seats using a remote control system. The cross seat mode is applied when it is operated as Keio Liner train.

In commemoration of the new timetable, Keio displays a special plate on the front of 8712F of the EMU 8000 series. It is informative for passengers on the Keio lines.

In commemoration of the new timetable, Keio displays a special plate on the front of 8712F