One year has passed since JR East introduced a new train, the EMU E131-500 series, on the Sagami line. I recently had an opportunity to take the Sagami line. What's new with this commuter line in the western part of the Tokyo metropolitan area?
Let me quickly review the Sagami line to start. The JR East Sagami line penetrates Kanagawa Prefecture from south to north. Connecting Chigasaki, a Pacific City, and Hashimoto, an interior transportation key junction, the total operating length is 33.3 kilometers. The entire route is electrified single track. The Sagami line was opened in 1921 to transport gravel from the Sagami riverbed to large cities for constructions. On November 18th, 2021, JR East introduced a new commuter train named the EMU E131-500 series. The introduction of the new model was for the first time in 30 years on the line.
Now, let's head to the main topic. The old trains, namely the EMU 205-500 series, had already been retired from the Sagami line. The new train, the E131-500 series, has become a sole model instead. A total of 12 sets, 48 cars, of the E131-500 series are currently operated. I also found that one-person operation (conductor-less operation) has started on the Sagami line trains. Of course, it's for the purpose of streamlining. Opening and closing of passenger doors is currently performed by a driver. The E131-500 series has door monitor screens in the cockpit. Drivers on the E131-500 series seem very busy.
The JR East Sagami line... it's changing fast.
