Rakuraku Yamato
 Rakuraku Yamato's rolling stock, the 287 series | |
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Service type | Commuter Limited Express |
| Status | Operational |
| Locale | Osaka Prefecture, Nara Prefecture |
| First service | 18 March 2024 |
| Current operator(s) | JR West |
| Route | |
| Termini | Shin-Osaka Nara |
| Stops | 9 |
| Service frequency | 1 return working daily |
| Line(s) used | Yamatoji Line, Osaka Loop Line |
| On-board services | |
| Class(es) | Standard |
| Technical | |
| Rolling stock | 287 series EMUs |
| Track gauge | 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) |
| Electrification | 1,500 V DC overhead |
The Rakuraku Yamato (らくラクやまと, Rakuraku Yamato) is a Commuter Limited Express train operated by West Japan Railway Company (JR West) between Shin-Osaka and Nara via the Yamatoji and Osaka Loop lines. This service started operation on 18 March 2024 as a weekday rush hour service as part of the March 2024 timetable revision[1] to improve passenger comfort on the Yamatoji Line.[2]
History[edit]
- 15 December 2023 - Service officially announced by JR West that it will start operation in March 2024, along with stations served and operation frequency[3]
- 30 January 2024 - Rolling stock for this service announced to be the 287 series[4]
- 18 March 2024 - Start of operation with departure ceremony at Nara Station[5]
Service pattern[edit]
At the time of its introduction, the Rakuraku Yamato service only operates on Weekdays. One westbound service from Nara to Shin-Osaka is operated during morning rush hours and one eastbound service from Shin-Osaka to Nara is operated during evening rush hours.[2]
Rakuraku Yamato trains serve the following stations:[2]
Shin-Osaka - Osaka - Tennōji - Kyūhōji - Ōji - Hōryūji - Yamato-Koizumi - Koriyama - Nara
Formations[edit]
Trains are operated using 3-car 287 series sets.[4] All cars provide reserved standard class seating accommodation and are non-smoking.[6]
| Car No. | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | Reserved | Reserved | Reserved |
| Facilities | Wheelchair space |
See also[edit]
- Mahoroba (train) - A special limited-express train that also runs through the Nara Prefecture
References[edit]
- ^ "JR西日本，3月16日にダイヤ改正を実施" [JR West implements timetable revision on March 16th]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 15 December 2023. Retrieved 30 March 2024.
- ^ "大和路線に通勤特急「らくラクやまと」誕生へ 新大阪から環状線周りで奈良へ!? 「うれシート」も増発" [The commuter express "Raku Raku Yamato" is born on the Yamato route from Shin-Osaka to Nara around the Loop Line!? "Ure Seat" will also be running more frequently]. trafficnews.jp (in Japanese). Japan. 15 December 2023. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
- ^ a b "より便利になる通勤特急を「らくラク～」シリーズに統一します" [Unification of the more convenient commuter express trains into the "Rakuraku" series.] (PDF). West Japan Railway Company (in Japanese). Japan. 30 January 2024. Retrieved 30 March 2024.
- ^ "通勤特急「らくラクやまと」デビューを記念し 奈良駅で出発式を行います！" [To commemorate the debut of the commuter express "Rakuraku Yamato", a departure ceremony will be held at Nara Station!]. West Japan Railway Company (in Japanese). Japan. 11 March 2024. Retrieved 30 March 2024.
- ^ "Rakuraku Yamato Vehicle information". jr-odekake.net (in Japanese). Japan. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
External links[edit]
Named trains of West Japan Railway Company | ||
|---|---|---|
| Shinkansen | .svg){kind=logo} | |
| Limited express (daytime) | ||
| Limited express (overnight) | ||
| Limited express (commuter) | ||
| Rapid | ||
| Other | ||
| Discontinued | ||