Izukyu 3000 series

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Izukyu 3000 series
Aloha Train
A 3000 series set, August 2022
In service30 April 2022 – present
Constructed1994–1996[1]
Number built10 vehicles
Number in service8 vehicles (2 sets)
Formation4 cars per set
OperatorsIzukyu Corporation
Lines served

The Izukyu 3000 series (Japanese: 伊豆急行3000系, romanizedIzu Kyūkō 3000-kei), branded "Aloha Train", is an electric multiple unit train type operated by the private railway operator Izukyu Corporation. Entering service on 30 April 2022, the fleet of two 4-car sets was inherited in 2021 from former East Japan Railway Company (JR East) 209 series EMUs, which were previously used on services throughout the Bōsō Peninsula.

History

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Background

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JR East introduced the 209 series in 1993, initially on the Keihin–Tōhoku Line and Negishi Line, to replace the 103 series trains that were previously used.[2] 209 series sets were later deployed on other lines, including the Nambu and Kawagoe lines. Designed to be a low-cost, lightweight, minimal-lifespan vehicle, the 209 series design set the standard for subsequent JR East commuter train designs.[1]

From 2009, some Keihin–Tōhoku–Negishi Line-allocated sets were transferred and refurbished to operate throughout the Bōsō Peninsula, following the introduction of newer E233 series trains. Much of the Bōsō-allocated fleet was replaced from 2021 by new E131 series trains, following many of the lines within the region being modified to accommodate one-man operation.[1]

Inheritance by Izukyu Corporation

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In July 2021, Izukyu Corporation announced its plan to procure 209 series trains that were previously operated by JR East on services throughout the Bōsō Peninsula.[2] Ten former 209 series cars were inherited by November of that year.[3][4] The following month, Izukyu announced that the fleet would be given the classification "3000 series".[5]

The 3000 series incorporates a Hawaii-inspired theme; this is reflected through the brand name "Aloha Train",[6] a Honu-inspired external wrapping pattern, a color scheme borrowed from the "Resort 21" trainsets,[7] and internal door wrappings of various seas in Izu. They are also the first trains operated by Izukyu to use variable-frequency drive (VVVF) technology and also did not require large-scale refurbishment. In contrast, the older 8000 series trains inherited from Tokyu Corporation required the installation of toilets, onboard passenger information displays, electrical coupling, and transverse seating; these features were already included with the 3000 series sets upon their inheritance by Izukyu Corporation.[1]

The 3000 series fleet was introduced into service on 30 April 2022.[8] Originally, the fleet was only used on the Izu Kyuko Line, but on 13 June 2022, they began use on the JR Ito Line as well.[9]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d "伊豆急、JR通勤車を「ハワイアン」に改造した狙い" [Izukyu aims to "Hawaiian-ize" former JR commuter trains]. Toyo Keizai Online (in Japanese). 30 April 2022. Archived from the original on 3 May 2022. Retrieved 4 May 2022.
  2. ^ a b "伊豆に渡った「無塗装209系」にSNS騒然 "走ルンです"じゃなかった? 桜木町の出会い再び". Traffic News (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 25 April 2022. Retrieved 10 April 2022.
  3. ^ "209系C601編成が伊豆急へ" [209 series set C601 to Izukyu]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 24 November 2021. Archived from the original on 29 January 2022. Retrieved 10 April 2022.
  4. ^ "伊豆急行で『209系(無塗装)車両撮影会』開催". Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). 12 December 2021. Archived from the original on 13 December 2021. Retrieved 10 April 2022.
  5. ^ 元JR東日本209系、伊豆急行での車両形式は「3000系」来春デビュー [Izukyu reclassifies former JR East 209 series as "3000 series"]. Mynavi News (in Japanese). Japan: Mynavi Corporation. 13 December 2021. Archived from the original on 14 December 2021. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
  6. ^ "伊豆急行3000系の愛称は「アロハ電車」に 〜2022年4月下旬から営業運転開始予定〜" [The nickname for the Izukyu 3000 series is "Aloha Train"]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 5 March 2022. Archived from the original on 10 April 2022. Retrieved 10 April 2022.
  7. ^ "伊豆急行3000系「アロハ電車」デザイン公開、4/29に試乗会&撮影会" [Izu Kyuko 3000 series "Aloha Train" design revealed]. Mynavi News (in Japanese). Japan: Mynavi Corporation. 7 March 2022. Archived from the original on 4 May 2022. Retrieved 4 May 2022.
  8. ^ 伊豆急行3000系「アロハ電車」がデビュー - 元JR東日本209系を改造 [Izu Kyuko 3000 series enters service - former JR East 209 series trains]. Mynavi News (in Japanese). Mynavi Corporation. 1 May 2022. Archived from the original on 4 May 2022. Retrieved 4 May 2022.
  9. ^ "【出発式レポ】伊豆急「アロハ電車」JR伊東線乗り入れスタート" [[Departure ceremony held] Izukyu "Aloha Train" begins operation on the JR Ito Line]. Tetsudo Shimbun (in Japanese). 13 June 2022. Retrieved 23 July 2022.