Set R04 of the EMU JR East E131 series arrives at Kashima-jingu stationOn March 13th this year, JR East launched a new local train named the EMU E131 series in the Chiba area. The introduction of the newly developed local train in this area was for the first time, indeed, in 51 years. They are operated on the Uchibo, Sotobo, Narita and Kashima lines.
The purpose of the new model development is saving labor. The E131 series enabled a train operation without a conductor. A driver can observe passengers getting on and off in the cockpit. The track facilities maintenance device on the train is also useful. Thanks to the new device, the company doesn't need to secure a special time for fracture point detection on the tracks. 12 sets, 24 carriages in total, of the E131 series were built by J-TREC Niitsu Factory. I'm fond of its front design, which is black with yellow and light blue-colored dots.
JR East plans to launch the E131 series onto the Sagami line in the Kanagawa area as well this autumn. This new model will be also introduced onto the Utsunomiya and the Nikko lines in the Tochigi area by March, 2022. For the above purpose, 27 sets (12 sets of 4-car trains and 15 sets of 3-car trains) of the E131 series will be additionally built. As a result, the present model, namely the 209-2000 and the 209-2100 series, will disappear in the near future.
The E131 series will make a new era on the local lines in the eastern part of Japan.
