Tokachi (train) explained

Tokachi
Type:Limited express
Status:Operational
Locale:Hokkaido
First:1 February 1962 (Express)
1 September 1990 (Limited express)
27 July 1991 (Super Tokachi)
Operator:JR Hokkaido
Formeroperator:JNR
Stops:11
Distance:220.2km (136.8miles)
Journeytime:2 hours 30 minutes approx
Frequency:5 return services daily
Class:Standard + Green
Access:Yes
Catering:None
Observation:None
Entertainment:None
Sleeping:None
Otherfacilities:Toilets
Stock:KiHa 261 series, KiHa 283 series DMUs
El:Diesel
Speed:120km/h
Owners:JR Hokkaido

The is a limited express train service between and via the Hakodate and Nemuro Main Lines in Hokkaido, Japan, operated by Hokkaido Railway Company (JR Hokkaido). As of November 2013, there are five trains per day running in both directions, with the fastest journey taking 2 hours 25 minutes (Super Tokachi 4).[1]

Stops

Trains stop at the following stations:

- - - - - - - - - -

Rolling stock

Super Tokachi services are formed of 4-car (originally 5-car) KiHa 261 series and 5-car KiHa 283 series diesel multiple unit (DMU) trains.[2]

Formations

All cars are no-smoking.

KiHa 261 series

Car No.1 2 3 4
AccommodationGreen Reserved Reserved Non-reserved

KiHa 283 series (Past)

Car No.1 2 3 4 5
AccommodationGreen Reserved Reserved Non-reserved Non-reserved

Past

History

The service commenced as the express on 1 February 1962, operating between and . The service continued until 30 September 1968.[3]

The name was revived from 1 September 1990 as the Limited express using KiHa 183 series DMUs. From 27 July 1991, four Tokachi services were upgraded to become Super Tokachi using KiHa 183 series DMU sets including bilevel Green cars.[3]

From 1 October 2007, new 5-car KiHa 261-1000 series tilting DMUs were introduced on Super Tokachi services, with KiHa 283 series tilting DMUs also used on some services.[4]

From 1 October 2009, the remaining two Tokachi return services daily were upgraded to Super Tokachi using KiHa 261-1000 series DMUs.[5] However, the service was returned to simply Tokachi from the start of the revised timetable on 14 March 2020.

Discontinuation of catering services

From 1 November 2014, the refreshment trolley service and Green car complimentary drink service were discontinued, with refreshments sold instead in car 1.[6] The refreshment service was discontinued entirely from 1 January 2015.[6]

External links

Notes and References

  1. JR Timetable, October 2009 issue
  2. Web site: http://www.jrhokkaido.co.jp/train/tr005_03.html. ja:特急スーパーとかち(261系・283系) 列車ガイド. Super Tokachi (261/283 series) Train guide. 21 July 2011. Hokkaido Railway Company. Japan . ja. 23 February 2012.
  3. Book: 列車名鑑1995 . Train Name Directory 1995. Railway Journal. August 1995 . Japan. 127.
  4. Book: JR新幹線&特急列車ファイル. JR Shinkansen & Limited Express Train File. Kōtsū Shimbun . 2008 . Japan . 114 . 978-4-330-00608-6.
  5. Rail Magazine: キハ183系特急〈とかち〉消滅 (KiHa 183 series Tokachi disappear) (1 October 2009). Retrieved on 1 October 2009.
  6. Web site: JR北海道、特急「スーパーとかち」車内販売&グリーン車サービス年内で終了 . JR Hokkaido to end on-board sales and Green car service on Super Tokachi limited express. 28 October 2014 . Mynavi News. Mynavi Corporation. Japan. ja. 30 October 2014.