209 series

The 209 series (209系) is an electric multiple unit (EMU) commuter train type operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East) in the Tokyo area of Japan since 1993.

209 series
A Keihin–Tōhoku—Negishi Line 209 series train in October 2006
In service	1992–present
Manufacturer	JR East, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Tokyu Car Corporation
Replaced	KiHa 35, 103 series, 113 series, 211 series
Constructed	1992–2004
Entered service	May 1992 (901/209-900 series) January 1993 (209-0 series)
Number built	1,046 cars
Number in service	490 cars (as of March 2020)
Number preserved	1 vehicle
Successor	E233 series
Formation	4/6/8/10 cars per trainset
Operator(s)	JR East
Depot(s)	Kawagoe, Keiyō, Makuhari, Nakahara, Toyoda
Line(s) served	Chūō Line (Rapid), Hachikō Line, Kashima Line, Kawagoe Line, Keiyō Line, Musashino Line, Narita Line, Ōme Line, Sotobō Line, Sōbu Main Line, Tōgane Line, Uchibō Line
Specifications
Car body construction	Stainless steel
Car length	20,000 mm (65 ft 7 in)
Width	2,870 mm (9 ft 5 in) (2,966 mm (9 ft 8.8 in) for 209-500 series)
Doors	4/6 pairs per side
Maximum speed	110 km/h (70 mph)
Traction system	Variable frequency (GTO, IGBT)
Power output	1,520 kW (6 motors)
Acceleration	2.5 km/h/s 3.3 km/h/s (209-1000 series)
Deceleration	4.0 km/h/s (4.5 km/h/s for emergency brake)
Electric system(s)	1,500 V DC overhead
Current collection method	PS28 diamond-shaped pantograph PS21 diamond-shaped pantograph (209-1000 series) PS33A single-arm pantograph (209-500 series)
Braking system(s)	Regenerative brake, electronically controlled pneumatic brakes
Safety system(s)	ATS-P, ATS-SN, ATC, Digital ATC
Track gauge	1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

The series was introduced in 1992 for experimental operations (as 901 series) and 1993 for commercial operations to replace the aging 103 series stock on the Keihin–Tōhoku and Negishi lines. The concept of the 209 series was to create a low-cost, minimal lifespan train (approximately 15 years) that would be replaced rather than rebuilt when they became life-expired.[1]

The 209 series was the first of the "New series trains" (新系列電車, Shin-keiretsu densha), and served as the basis for the E501, E217, 701, and E127 series rolling stock, as well as the E231 series stock, which in turn became the blueprint for successive trains developed by JR East and other railway companies in Japan.

Variants

• / 209-500 series: One 10-car set used on the Keiyō Line since 2008, and 11 8-car sets on the Musashino Line since 2010
• 209-1000 series Two 10-car sets used on the Chūō Line (Rapid) (and occasionally the Ōme Line) since March 2019
• 209-2000/2100 series: 68 6/4-car sets converted from former Keihin–Tōhoku—Negishi Line 209-0 series units, used on Chiba area services such as the Sotobō Line, Uchibō Line, and Narita Line since 2009
• 209-2200 series: One 6-car set used from January 2018 as the Boso Bicycle Base
• 209-3100 series: Two 4-car sets converted from surplus TWR 70-000 series units used on the Kawagoe Line and Hachikō Line since April 2005
• 209-3500 series: Five 4-car sets converted from former Chūō-Sōbu Line 209-500 series units, used on the Kawagoe Line and Hachikō Line since 2018

Former Operations

• / 209-0 series: 10-car sets used on the Keihin–Tōhoku—Negishi Line from 1993 until January 2010, and 6-car sets on the Nambu Line until February 2015[2]
• / 209-500 series: 10-car sets used on the Chūō-Sōbu Line from 1998 until April 2019 and the Keihin–Tōhoku—Negishi Line from 2001 to 2009
• 209-900/910/920 series: 10-car prototypes initially classified as 901 series used on the Keihin–Tōhoku—Negishi Line
• 209-950 series: 10-car set used on the Chūō-Sōbu Line until it was redesignated as the E231-900 series
• 209-1000 series 10-car sets used on the Jōban Line from 1999 until October 2018
• 209-2200 series: 6-car sets used on the Nambu Line from 2009 until March 2017
• 209-3000 series: 4-car sets used on the Kawagoe Line and Hachikō Line since from March 1996 until February 2019

209-0 series

209-0 series
A Keihin–Tōhoku 10-car 209-0 series set in March 2009
In service	1993–2015
Replaced	101 series, 103 series, 205 series
Constructed	1992–1997
Entered service	1993
Scrapped	2008–2016
Number built	792 cars
Number in service	0 cars (324 cars converted to 209-2000/2100 series; 18 cars converted to 209-2200 series; 7 cars converted to MUE-Train; 6 cars converted for training units)
Number scrapped	437 cars
Formation	6/10 cars per trainset
Operator(s)	JR East
Depot(s)	Urawa, Nakahara
Line(s) served	Keihin–Tōhoku Line, Nambu Line, Negishi Line
Specifications
Car body construction	Stainless steel
Width	2,870 mm (9 ft 5 in)
Doors	4/6 pairs per side
Traction system	Mitsubishi GTO-VVVF
Traction motors	MT68
Electric system(s)	1,500 V DC overhead catenary
Track gauge	1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

A Nambu Line 6-car 209-0 series train in January 2008

The original full-production version introduced on both the Keihin–Tōhoku—Negishi (78 ten-car sets numbered 1–78) and Nambu (2 six-car sets numbered 1 and 32) lines in 1993. Six-door SaHa 208 cars were inserted into the Keihin–Tōhoku—Negishi Line sets in 1995.

The 209 series trains on the Keihin–Tōhoku—Negishi Line were replaced by new E233-1000 series trains from autumn 2007, with the last sets withdrawn by 24 January 2010.[3] A large number of these units were subsequently rebuilt as 209-2000/2100 series four- and six-car sets for use in the Chiba area, while some were converted as training sets, MUE-Train, or 209-2200 series sets for the Nambu Line.

Formations

Keihin–Tōhoku—Negishi Line 10-car sets

Previously, 78 ten-car sets (1–78) were based at Urawa depot and were formed as shown below, with four motored ("M") cars and six non-powered trailer ("T") cars.[4]

	← Ōmiya Ōfuna →
Car No.	10	9	8	7	6	5	4	3	2	1
Designation	Tc	T	M	M'	T'	T	T	M	M'	Tc'
Numbering	KuHa 209	SaHa 209	MoHa 209	MoHa 208	SaHa 208	SaHa 209	SaHa 209	MoHa 209	MoHa 208	KuHa 208

• Cars 3 and 8 were each equipped with one PS28 pantograph.[4]
• Car 6 was a "6-door" car with six pairs of doors on each side.[4]

Nambu Line 6-car sets

Previously, two six-car sets (1 and 32) were based at Nakahara Depot and were formed as shown below, with four motored ("M") cars and two non-powered trailer ("T") cars.[5]

	← Kawasaki Tachikawa →
Car No.	1	2	3	4	5	6
Designation	Tc	M	M'	M	M'	Tc'
Numbering	KuHa 209	MoHa 209	MoHa 208	MoHa 209	MoHa 208	KuHa 208

• Cars 2 and 4 were each equipped with one PS28 lozenge-type pantograph.[5]

209-500 series

209-500 series
Musashino Line 209-500 series set M77 on a Shimōsa service in January 2020
In service	1998–present
Replaced	103 series, 201 series, 205 series
Constructed	1998–1999
Entered service	29 December 1998
Refurbished	2017–2019
Scrapped	2017–2019
Number built	170 cars
Number in service	98 cars (12 sets) (+20 cars converted to 209-3500 series)
Number scrapped	52 cars
Formation	8/10 cars per trainset
Fleet numbers	Keiyō Line: 34 Musashino Line: M71-M77, M81-M84
Operator(s)	JR East
Depot(s)	Keiyō Previously: Mitaka, Narashino, Urawa
Line(s) served	Keiyō Line, Musashino Line, Sotobō Line, Uchibō Line Previously: Chūō-Sōbu Line, Keihin–Tōhoku Line, Negishi Line
Specifications
Car body construction	Stainless steel
Width	2,950 mm (9 ft 8 in)
Doors	4 pairs per side
Traction system	IGBT-VVVF (Mitsubishi) Previously: GTO-VVVF
Electric system(s)	1,500 V DC overhead catenary
Track gauge	1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

This sub-series represented a stop-gap for use from 1998 on the Chūō-Sōbu Line until the full-production E231 series trains were delivered, and a total of 17 ten-car sets (numbered 51–67) were delivered to Narashino Depot in Chiba. These sets differ noticeably from the other 209 series variants in having 2,950 mm wide cars (compared to 2,870 mm for earlier flat-sided stock), as well as LED destination indicators, replacing the earlier roller blind type. While externally similar in appearance to the later E231 series sets, the 209-500 series are distinguishable by their white cab fronts and lack of six-door cars, and uses a GTO-VVVF traction system like other 209 series sets.

In November 2000, two sets (66 and 67) were transferred to the Keihin–Tōhoku—Negishi Line and renumbered 80 and 81. In December 2003, the Chūō-Sōbu Line sets were reallocated to Mitaka Depot and renumbered 501–515. Between 2006 and 2007, three more sets (513–515) were transferred to the Keihin–Tōhoku—Negishi Line to replace the prototype 209-900/910/920 series trains and renumbered 82–84. From October 2008, following the introduction of E233-1000 series trains on the Keihin–Tōhoku—Negishi Line, one set (80) was transferred back to the Chūō-Sōbu Line (as set 516) while the other four sets (81–84) were modified (with ATS-P/S_N instead of ATC) and transferred to the Keiyō Line (as sets 31–34).

From September 2010 to January 2011, three former Keiyō Line sets (31–33) were reduced to eight cars and reliveried for use on the Musashino Line, renumbered M71–M73, and entered service from 4 December 2010.[5] In 2012, a "C" suffix was added to all Chūō–Sōbu Line sets (C501–C512 and C516).

From 2018, five Chūō-Sōbu Line sets (C501–C505) were converted to 4-car 209-3500 series sets for use on Kawagoe Line and Hachikō Line services,[6] while the remaining eight sets (C506–C512 and C516) were reduced to 8 cars and reallocated to the Musashino Line and renumbered M74–M77 and M81–M84. The last Chūō-Sōbu Line set, set C511, was withdrawn from service on 19 April 2019.[7]

All sets were refurbished between 2016 and 2019, when the GTO-VVVF traction system was replaced with a IGBT-VVVF traction system.

Formations

10-car sets

As of 1 October 2018, one set (34) is allocated to Keiyō Depot for use on the Keiyō Line (and through services to the Sotobō and Uchibō Lines). The set is formed as follows with four motored ("M") cars and six non-powered trailer ("T") cars.[8]

	← Kazusa-Minato, Kazusa-Ichinomiya, Kimitsu, Soga Tokyo →
Car No.	10	9	8	7	6	5	4	3	2	1
Designation	Tc	T	M	M'	T	T	T	M	M'	Tc'
Numbering	KuHa 209-500	SaHa 209-500	MoHa 209-500	MoHa 208-500	SaHa 209-500	SaHa 209-500	SaHa 209-500	MoHa 209-500	MoHa 208-500	KuHa 208-500

• Cars 3 and 8 each have one single-arm pantograph.[8]
• Cars 1 and 10 have a wheelchair space.[8]
• Car 4 is designated as a mildly air-conditioned car.[8]

8-car sets

As of 1 January 2020, 11 eight-car sets (M71 to M77, M81 to M84) were allocated to Keiyō Depot for use on Musashino Line (and through services to the Keiyō Line).[8] These sets are formed as follows with four motored ("M") cars and four non-powered trailer ("T") cars.[8]

	← Tokyo, Kaihinmakuhari, Nishi-Funabashi Fuchūhommachi →
Car No.	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
Designation	Tc	M	M'	T	T	M	M'	Tc'
Numbering	KuHa 209-500	MoHa 209-500	MoHa 208-500	SaHa 209-500	SaHa 209-500	MoHa 209-500	MoHa 208-500	KuHa 208-500

• Cars 2 and 6 each have one pantograph (single-arm on sets M71-M77, lozenge-type on sets M81-M84).
• Cars 1 and 8 have a wheelchair space.[8]
• Car 4 is designated as a mildly air-conditioned car.[8]

Previous Formations

Chūō-Sōbu Line 10-car sets (1998 to 2019)

	← Chiba, Tsudanuma Nakano, Mitaka →
Car No.	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10
Designation	Tc	T	M	M'	T	T	T	M	M'	Tc'
Numbering	KuHa 209-500	SaHa 209-500	MoHa 209-500	MoHa 208-500	SaHa 209-500	SaHa 209-500	SaHa 209-500	MoHa 209-500	MoHa 208-500	KuHa 208-500

Keihin–Tōhoku—Negishi Line 10-car sets (2001 to 2009)

	← Ōmiya Ōfuna →
Car No.	10	9	8	7	6	5	4	3	2	1
Designation	Tc	T	M	M'	T	T	T	M	M'	Tc'
Numbering	KuHa 209-500	SaHa 209-500	MoHa 209-500	MoHa 208-500	SaHa 209-500	SaHa 209-500	SaHa 209-500	MoHa 209-500	MoHa 208-500	KuHa 208-500

• 
  A Chūō-Sōbu Line 209-500 series train at Mitaka station in June 2005
• 
  A Keihin–Tōhoku—Negishi Line 209-500 series in November 2008
• 
  A Keiyō Line 209-500 series in December 2008

209-900/910/920 series

209-900/910/920 series
901 series Set C (later 209-920 series) in March 1993
In service	1992–2007
Constructed	1992
Entered service	7 May 1992
Scrapped	2007–2008
Number built	30 cars
Number preserved	1 vehicle (at Tōkyō General Rolling Stock Center)
Number scrapped	29 cars
Formation	10 cars per trainset
Operator(s)	JR East
Depot(s)	Urawa
Line(s) served	Keihin–Tōhoku Line, Negishi Line
Specifications
Car body construction	Stainless steel
Width	2,870 mm (9 ft 5 in)
Doors	4 pairs per side
Electric system(s)	1,500 V DC overhead catenary
Track gauge	1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

Three ten-car prototypes were built in 1992 for testing and passenger evaluation on the Keihin–Tōhoku—Negishi Line, initially classified as 901 series. Set A was built by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, set B by Tokyu Car Corporation, and set C was built by Kawasaki Heavy Industries and JR East's Ōfuna factory (cars 4 and 5). The three sets incorporated a number of different design features for evaluation, but were converted in 1994 to bring them in line with the full-production specifications. Set A became 209-900 series set 90, set B became 209-910 series set 91, and set C became 209-920 series set 92. They differed from the full-production 209-0 series sets in not having six-door SaHa208 cars.[9]

209-910 series set 91 was withdrawn in December 2006, and the last of the three prototype sets, set 90, was withdrawn in August 2007.[10] Car KuHa 209-901 from the original 901 series set A was stored at Nagano Works,[11] and later preserved at Tōkyō General Rolling Stock Center.

• 
  209-900 series set 90 in November 2006
• 
  209-920 series set 92 in January 2007

Formation

	← Ōmiya Ōfuna →
Car No.	10	9	8	7	6	5	4	3	2	1
Designation	Tc	T	M	M'	T	T	T	M	M'	Tc'
Numbering (1992 to 1994)	KuHa 901	SaHa 901	MoHa 901	MoHa 900	SaHa 901	SaHa 901	SaHa 901	MoHa 901	MoHa 900	KuHa 900
Numbering (1994 to 2007)	KuHa 209-900	SaHa 209-900	MoHa 209-900	MoHa 208-900	SaHa 208-900	SaHa 209-900	SaHa 209-900	MoHa 209-900	MoHa 208-900	KuHa 208-900
	KuHa 209-910	SaHa 209-910	MoHa 209-910	MoHa 208-910	SaHa 208-910	SaHa 209-910	SaHa 209-910	MoHa 209-910	MoHa 208-910	KuHa 208-910
	KuHa 209-920	SaHa 209-920	MoHa 209-920	MoHa 208-920	SaHa 208-920	SaHa 209-920	SaHa 209-920	MoHa 209-920	MoHa 208-920	KuHa 208-920

209-950 series

209-950 series
209-950 series set 24 in March 1999
In service	1998–2000 (as 209-950 series) 2000–present (as E231-900 series)
Constructed	1998
Entered service	December 1998
Refurbished	June 2000
Number built	10 cars
Number in service	0 cars (10 cars converted to E231-900 series)
Formation	10 cars per trainset
Operator(s)	JR East
Specifications
Car body construction	Stainless steel
Width	2,950 mm (9 ft 8 in)
Doors	4 pairs per side
Electric system(s)	1,500 V DC overhead catenary
Track gauge	1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

Main article: E231 series § E231-900 series

This was the original classification given to the prototype E231 series 10-car set delivered in October 1998, to test out the then-new insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) traction system and TIMS passenger information system. It was reclassified as E231-900 series in June 2000 following conversion to the full-production E231 standard.[12]

209-1000 series

209-1000 series
A Chūō Line (Rapid) 10-car 209-1000 series set in March 2019
In service	1999–present
Constructed	1999
Entered service	December 1999
Number built	20 cars
Number in service	20 cars (2 sets)
Formation	10 cars per trainset
Fleet numbers	81–82
Operator(s)	JR East
Depot(s)	Toyoda (2019-present) Previously: Matsudo (1999-2018)
Line(s) served	Chūō Line (Rapid), Ōme Line Previously: Jōban Line, Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line
Specifications
Car body construction	Stainless steel
Width	2,870 mm (9 ft 5 in)
Doors	4 pairs per side
Traction system	GTO-VVVF (Mitsubishi)
Electric system(s)	1,500 V DC overhead catenary
Track gauge	1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

Set 81 in original Jōban Line livery, November 2011

Two 10-car sets (81 and 82) were delivered from Tokyu Car Corporation in August and September 1999, entering service from 4 December 1999 on Jōban Line and Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line inter-running services. Based on the 209-0 series, these trains have end doors for use in emergencies inside tunnels. These sets were based at JR East's Matsudo depot. These train sets have since been withdrawn from the Jōban Line in October 2018 and reallocated to the Chūō Line (Rapid) in December 2018, being based at JR East's Toyoda Depot after the reallocation. Operations officially started on the Chūō Line in March 2019.

While these sets usually operate only between Tokyo and Takao, on rare occasions (such as a shortage of train sets due to an accident) they may operate as far as Ōtsuki, or on the Ōme Line as far as Ōme. Furthermore, unlike the E233 series in use, due to the lack of passenger-operated door controls, all doors open on these sets while in use on the Ōme Line.

Formation

As of 1 January 2020, two 10-car sets (81–82) are allocated to Toyoda Depot and are formed as follows with six motored (“M”) cars and four non-powered trailer (“T”) cars.

	← Tōkyō Ōtsuki →
Car No.	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10
Designation	Tc	M	M'	T	M	M'	T	M	M'	Tc'
Numbering	KuHa 209-1000	MoHa 209-1000	MoHa 208-1000	SaHa 209-1000	MoHa 209-1000	MoHa 208-1000	SaHa 209-1000	MoHa 209-1000	MoHa 208-1000	KuHa 208-1000

• Cars 2, 5 and 8 each have one single-arm pantograph.
• Cars 2 and 9 have wheelchair space.
• Car 4 is designated as a mildly air-conditioned car.

Previous Formation

10-car Jōban Line sets (1999 to 2018)

	← Toride, Ayase Yoyogi-Uehara →
Car No.	10	9	8	7	6	5	4	3	2	1
Designation	Tc	M	M'	T	M	M'	T	M	M'	Tc'
Numbering	KuHa 209-1000	MoHa 209-1000	MoHa 208-1000	SaHa 209-1000	MoHa 209-1000	MoHa 208-1000	SaHa 209-1000	MoHa 209-1000	MoHa 208-1000	KuHa 208-1000

• Cars 3, 6 and 9 were originally fitted with PS21 lozenge type pantographs,[13] but were converted to single-arm models in 2014.[8]
• Cars 2 and 9 had wheelchair space.
• Car 4 was designated as a mildly air-conditioned car.

Interior

• 
  Jōban Line 209-1000 series interior view in August 2007
• 
  Priority seating in November 2010

209-2000/2100 series

209-2000/2100 series
A Chiba-area 209-2100 series 4-car train at Sakura Station in August 2009
Replaced	211 series
Entered service	1 October 2009
Refurbished	2009–2013 (converted from 209-0 series)
Number built	324 cars
Number in service	324 cars (68 sets)
Formation	4/6 cars per trainset
Fleet numbers	C401–C442, C601–C626
Operator(s)	JR East
Depot(s)	Makuhari
Line(s) served	Kashima Line, Narita Line, Sōbu Line, Sotobō Line, Tōgane Line, Uchibō Line
Specifications
Car body construction	Stainless steel
Width	2,870 mm (9 ft 5 in)
Doors	4 pairs per side
Traction system	Mitsubishi IGBT-VVVF
Traction motors	MT73 (Prior To Conversion - MT68)
Electric system(s)	1,500 V DC overhead catenary
Track gauge	1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

A Chiba-area 209-2100 series 6-car set in July 2010

These are four- and six-car sets based at Makuhari Depot modified between 2009 and 2013 from former Keihin–Tōhoku—Negishi Line 209-0 series ten-car sets for use on Chiba area and Bōsō Peninsula local services from 1 October 2009 to replace aging 211 series trains. Modifications include new electrical equipment, the addition of transverse seating, LED destination indicator panels, and a toilet.[14] The cars are numbered in the -2100 series, although some four-car sets have end cars numbered in the -2000 series. The -2000 series cars are converted from early batch 209-0 series units with air-operated doors rather than the electrically-operated doors of later batch units.[15]

The first four-car set (C417) was outshopped from Nagano Works in June 2009, while the first six-car set (C602) was outshopped from Ōmiya Works in July 2009.[5]

Formations

6-car sets

As of 1 October 2018, 26 six-car sets (C601–C626) are based at Makuhari Depot and were formed as shown below, with four motored ("M") cars and two non-powered trailer ("T") cars.[8]

	← Awa-Kamogawa, Chōshi Chiba →
Car No.	6	5	4	3	2	1
Designation	Tc	M	M'	M	M'	Tc'
Numbering	KuHa 209-2100	MoHa 209-2100	MoHa 208-2100	MoHa 209-2100	MoHa 208-2100	KuHa 208-2100

• The end cars have some transverse seating bays.
• Car 2 is fitted with a toilet.
• Cars 3 and 5 are each equipped with one lozenge-type pantograph.[5]

4-car sets

As of 1 October 2018, 42 four-car sets (C401–C442) are based at Makuhari Depot and were formed as shown below, with two motored ("M") cars and two non-powered trailer ("T") cars.[8]

	← Awa-Kamogawa, Chōshi Chiba →
Car No.	4	3	2	1
Designation	Tc	M	M'	Tc'
Numbering	KuHa 209-2000/2100	MoHa 209-2100	MoHa 208-2100	KuHa 208-2000/2100

• The end cars have some transverse seating bays.
• Car 2 is fitted with a toilet.
• Car 3 is equipped with one lozenge-type pantograph.[5]

• 
  Interior of 209-2100 series car with transverse seating in June 2012
• 
  Toilet of a 209-2100 series set

209-2200 series

209-2200 series
209-2200 series "B.B.Base" set J1 in January 2018
In service	2009–present
Replaced	209-0 series 205-1200 series
Constructed	1993–1995
Entered service	Nambu Line: June 2009 B.B.Base: January 2018
Refurbished	2009–2010, 2017
Scrapped	2015
Number built	18 cars
Number in service	6 cars (1 set)
Number scrapped	12 cars
Formation	6 cars per trainset
Fleet numbers	J1 Previously: 52–54
Operator(s)	JR East
Depot(s)	Makuhari Previously: Nakahara
Line(s) served	Uchibō Line, Sotobō Line, Narita Line, Sōbu Main Line Previously: Nambu Line
Specifications
Car body construction	Stainless steel
Width	2,870 mm (9 ft 5 in)
Doors	4 pairs per side
Electric system(s)	1,500 V DC overhead catenary
Track gauge	1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

Between 2009 and 2010, three six-car sets were reformed from former Keihin–Tōhoku—Negishi Line 209-0 series ten-car sets for use on Nambu Line services, replacing the early-batch 209-0 series set and a 205-1200 series set.[16] The first set, number 52, was outshopped in May 2009, and entered service on 12 June 2009.[17] Modifications include new electrical equipment and the addition of LED destination indicator panels.[18]

Two sets (52 and 54) were removed from service and replaced by new E233-8000 series trains in 2015. These two sets were scrapped.

The last remaining Nambu Line 209-2200 series trainset, set 53, was removed from services from 15 March 2017, being replaced by an E233-8500 series set.[19] The set was modified for use as a train for carrying cyclists and their bicycles from Ryogoku in Tokyo to various destinations on the Uchibō Line, Sotobō Line, Narita Line, and Sōbu Main Line on the Bōsō Peninsula. Branded "B.B.Base" (an abbreviation for "Boso Bicycle Base"), it re-entered service on 6 January 2018.[20]

Formation

B.B.Base 6-car set

One six-car set (J1) is based at Makuhari Depot and is formed as shown below, with four motored ("M") cars and two non-powered trailer ("T") cars.[20]

	← Wadaura, Awa-Kamogawa, Chōshi, Sawara Ryōgoku →
Car No.	6	5	4	3	2	1
Designation	Tc	M	M'	M	M'	Tc'
Numbering	KuHa 209-2200	MoHa 209-2200	MoHa 208-2200	MoHa 209-2200	MoHa 208-2200	KuHa 208-2200
Seating capacity	20	19	20	-	20	20

• Cars 3 and 5 each have one PS33F single-arm pantograph.[20]
• Cars 1 to 3 and 5 to 6 have fixed seating bays arranged 2+1 abreast with cycle racks provided next to each of the doorways, while car 4 has an open configuration with bench seating on one side and a bar counter.
• Wheelchair-accessible toilets are provided in cars 2 and 4.[20]

Previous Formations

Nambu Line 6-car sets

Previously, three six-car sets (52–54) were based at Nakahara Depot and were formed as shown below, with four motored ("M") cars and two non-powered trailer ("T") cars.[5]

	← Kawasaki Tachikawa →
Car No.	1	2	3	4	5	6
Designation	Tc	M	M'	M	M'	Tc'
Numbering	KuHa 209-2200	MoHa 209-2200	MoHa 208-2200	MoHa 209-2200	MoHa 208-2200	KuHa 208-2200

• Cars 2 and 4 were each equipped with one PS28A lozenge-type pantograph.[8]

• 
  Nambu Line 209-2200 series set Naha52 at Shitte Station in September 2010

209-3000 series

209-3000 series
Kawagoe/Hachikō Line 209-3000 series set 62 in October 2017
In service	1996–2019
Replaced	KiHa 35
Constructed	1996
Entered service	16 March 1996
Scrapped	2018 (2 cars), 2020 (12 cars)
Number built	16 cars
Number in service	0 cars (2 cars converted for training units)
Number scrapped	14 cars
Formation	4 cars per trainset
Fleet numbers	61–64
Operator(s)	JR East
Depot(s)	Kawagoe
Line(s) served	Hachikō Line, Kawagoe Line
Specifications
Car body construction	Stainless steel
Width	2,870 mm (9 ft 5 in)
Doors	4 pairs per side
Electric system(s)	1,500 V DC overhead catenary
Track gauge	1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

KuHa 209-3003 of set 63 showing transverse seating bay added experimentally in 2004

Four four-car 6th-batch sets were introduced on 16 March 1996 for use on the Kawagoe Line and newly electrified southern section of the Hachikō Line. These sets (numbers 61 to 64) were based at JR East's Kawagoe depot.[21] While visually similar to the original 209-0 sub-series, these sets differ in having passenger-operated door controls.[12]

These sets were displaced by newly-refurbished E231-3000 series and 209-3500 series sets entering service from 2017 and 2018, with the last set withdrawn in February 2019.[22] In late 2018, two cars of set 62 were formed into a training unit and the other two cars were scrapped;[23] the remaining three sets were scrapped in early 2020.

Interior

For a short period in 2004, KuHa 209-3003 of set 63 was fitted with transverse seating bays to increase seating capacity. It was later reverted to standard longitudinal bench seating.[12]

Between February and March 2007, some of the previously sealed windows in each car were modified to allow them to be opened.[12]

Formation (former Hachikō and Kawagoe Line sets)

The four four-car sets were based at Kawagoe depot in Saitama and formed as shown below with two motored ("M") cars and two non-powered trailer ("T") cars.[24]

	← Kawagoe Hachiōji →
Car No.	4	3	2	1
Designation	Tc	M	M'	Tc'
Numbering	KuHa 209-3000	MoHa 209-3000	MoHa 208-3000	KuHa 208-3000

• Car 3 is fitted with one PS28 lozenge-type pantograph.[24]

Build details

Set	Manufacturer	Date delivered
61	Kawasaki Heavy Industries	January 1996
62	Tokyu Car Corporation	January 1996
63	Tokyu Car Corporation	February 1996
64	Tokyu Car Corporation	February 1996

209-3100 series

209-3100 series
Kawagoe/Hachikō Line 209-3100 series train at Komagawa station
In service	2005–present
Replaced	103-3000 series,103-3500 series
Constructed	1995, 1996, 2002 (former TWR 70-000 series cars); 2005 (new build cars)
Entered service	17 April 2005
Refurbished	2004–2005
Number built	8 cars
Number in service	8 cars (2 sets)
Formation	4 cars per trainset
Fleet numbers	71–72
Operator(s)	JR East
Depot(s)	Kawagoe
Line(s) served	Hachikō Line, Kawagoe Line
Specifications
Car body construction	Stainless steel
Width	2,870 mm (9 ft 5 in)
Doors	4 pairs per side
Traction system	GTO-VVVF (Mitsubishi)
Electric system(s)	1,500 V DC overhead catenary
Track gauge	1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

This sub-series of two four-car sets was introduced on 17 April 2005 as part of the scheme to eliminate 103 series sets from the Kawagoe Line and Hachikō Line.[25] Set number 71 consists of two former TWR 70-000 series control cars with two newly manufactured intermediate cars, while set number 72 consists entirely of former 70-000 series cars. The 70-000 series cars had become surplus when six-car sets were reformed into ten-car sets in 2004. Like the 209-3000 series, these sets have passenger-operated door controls.[12]

After being displaced by 209-3500 and E231-3000 series sets, these sets were taken out of service in October 2019.[26] However, they re-entered service on 8 December 2019.[27]

Formation

The two four-car sets are based at Kawagoe depot in Saitama and formed as shown below with two motored ("M") cars and two non-powered trailer ("T") cars.

	← Kawagoe Hachiōji →
Car No.	4	3	2	1
Designation	Tc	M	M'	Tc'
Numbering	KuHa 209-3100	MoHa 209-3100	MoHa 208-3100	KuHa 208-3100

• Car 3 is fitted with one PS28 lozenge-type pantograph.[24]

Former TWR 70-000 series conversions

TWR 70-000 series EMU in December 2002

The identities of the six former 70-000 series cars converted in 2004 and 2005 to become 209-3100 series EMUs are as shown below.[24]

Car number	Set number	Former car number	Date returned to traffic
KuHa 209-3101	71	70-020	14 March 2005
KuHa 208-3101	71	70-029	14 March 2005
KuHa 209-3102	72	70-030	16 December 2004
MoHa 209-3102	72	70-027	16 December 2004
MoHa 208-3102	72	70-028	16 December 2004
KuHa 209-3102	72	70-039	16 December 2004

209-3500 series

209-3500 series
Kawagoe/Hachikō Line 209-3500 series set, June 2018
In service	2018–present
Replaced	205-3000 series, 209-3000 series
Entered service	2018
Refurbished	2017–2018 (converted from 209-500 series)
Number built	20 cars
Number in service	20 cars (5 sets)
Formation	4 cars per trainset
Fleet numbers	51–55
Operator(s)	JR East
Depot(s)	Kawagoe
Line(s) served	Hachikō Line, Kawagoe Line
Specifications
Car body construction	Stainless steel
Width	2,950 mm (9 ft 8 in)
Doors	4 pairs per side
Electric system(s)	1,500 V DC overhead catenary
Track gauge	1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

From 2018, five former 209-500 series ten-car sets based at Mitaka Depot for use on Chūō-Sōbu Line services were reformed and converted to become four-car 209-3500 series sets based at Kawagoe for use on Kawagoe Line and Hachikō Line services.[6]

Formation

	← Kawagoe Hachiōji →
Car No.	4	3	2	1
Designation	Tc	M	M'	Tc'
Numbering	KuHa 209-3500	MoHa 209-3500	MoHa 208-3500	KuHa 208-3500

Former set/car identities

The former identities of the 209-3500 series sets are as follows.[28]

Set No.	Car numbers				Former set No.	Former car numbers
51	KuHa 209-3501	MoHa 209-3501	MoHa 208-3501	KuHa 208-3501	C501	KuHa 209-501	MoHa 209-502	MoHa 208-502	KuHa 208-501
52	KuHa 209-3502	MoHa 209-3502	MoHa 208-3502	KuHa 208-3502	C502	KuHa 209-502	MoHa 209-504	MoHa 208-504	KuHa 208-502
53	KuHa 209-3503	MoHa 209-3503	MoHa 208-3503	KuHa 208-3503	C503	KuHa 209-503	MoHa 209-506	MoHa 208-506	KuHa 208-503
54	KuHa 209-3504	MoHa 209-3504	MoHa 208-3504	KuHa 208-3504	C504	KuHa 209-504	MoHa 209-508	MoHa 208-508	KuHa 208-504
55	KuHa 209-3505	MoHa 209-3505	MoHa 208-3505	KuHa 208-3505	C505	KuHa 209-505	MoHa 209-510	MoHa 208-510	KuHa 208-505

Training sets

Training sets
Constructed	1993, 1995–1996
Entered service	2008
Refurbished	2008, 2018–2019
Number built	8 cars (converted from 209-0 series and 209-3000 series)
Number in service	8 cars (4 sets)
Formation	2 cars per trainset
Operator(s)	JR East
Specifications
Car body construction	Stainless steel
Width	2,950 mm (9 ft 8 in)
Doors	4 pairs per side
Electric system(s)	1,500 V DC overhead catenary
Track gauge	1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

In 2008, three motored pairs from former Keihin–Tōhoku—Negishi Line 209-0 series sets (MoHa 209-39/208-39 and MoHa 209-40/208-40 from set Ura 19, and MoHa 209-76/208-76 from set Ura 37) were fitted with driving cabs and converted into training sets. These sets were assigned to Yokohama, Hachiōji, and Ōmiya Training Centers. In 2018, one motored pair from a former Kawagoe/Hachikō Line 209-3000 series set (MoHa 209-3002/208-3002 from set Hae 62) was also fitted with driving cabs and converted into a training set. The existing three training sets were subsequently refurbished and reallocated.[29]

• 
  Ōmiya area 2-car training set in March 2008
• 
  Hachiōji area 2-car training set in October 2008

Yokohama

From 2008, a training set consisting of KuMoHa 209-39/208-39 is allocated to Yokohama Training Center near Kurihama Station. The set is finished with pale yellow body stripes and bears the text "YOKOHAMA Training Center".[30] It replaced the existing 105 series two-car training set located there.

Ōmiya

From 2018, a training set consisting of KuMoHa 209-3002/208-3002 is allocated to Ōmiya Training Center. The set is finished with Shōnan green/orange body stripes and bears the text "TOKYO•OMIYA Training Center".[31]

Between 2008 and 2018, set KuMoHa 209-76/208-76 was allocated to Ōmiya. This replaced the existing 103 series two-car training set located there.

Hachiōji

From 2019, a training set consisting of KuMoHa 209-76/208-76 is allocated to Hachiōji Training Center near Shin-Akitsu Station. The set is finished with orange body stripes and bears the text "HACHIOJI Training Center".[32]

Between 2008 and 2019, set KuMoHa 209-40/208-40 was allocated to Hachiōji. This replaced the existing 105 series two-car training set located there.

Nagano

From 2019, a training set consisting of KuMoHa 209-40/208-40 is allocated to Nagano Training Center. The set is finished in with Nagano blue body stripes and bears the text "NAGANO Training Center".[33] It replaced the existing 115 series two-car training set located there.

Shirakawa E991 series

A purpose-built four-car set based directly on the 209-0 series design and classified E991 series was delivered to JR East's training center in Shirakawa, Fukushima in 2000 for internal training use. Externally, it is finished with green body stripes on unpainted stainless steel. It is not considered a 209 series variant. It cannot run on its own power and must be towed by a locomotive.[34]

MUE-Train

MUE-Train
MUE-Train undergoing testing in May 2009
In service	2008–present
Constructed	1992
Entered service	November 2008
Refurbished	2008 (converted from 209-0 series)
Number built	7 cars
Number in service	6 cars (1 set)
Number scrapped	1 vehicle
Formation	6 cars per trainset
Operator(s)	JR East
Depot(s)	Kawagoe
Specifications
Car body construction	Stainless steel
Width	2,950 mm (9 ft 8 in)
Doors	4 pairs per side
Electric system(s)	1,500 V DC overhead catenary
Track gauge	1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

In October 2008, JR East unveiled the seven-car "MUE-Train" (MUltipurpose Experimental Train) experimental EMU converted from former Keihin–Tōhoku—Negishi Line 209 series set Ura 2. This set is used to test and develop new technology for use on future narrow-gauge trains. The train is based at Kawagoe Depot and began testing on the Utsunomiya Line from November 2008.[35]

Formation

2008 - 2009

Car No.	1	2	3	4	5	6	7
Numbering	KuYa 208-2	MoYa 208-4	MoYa 209-4	SaYa 209-8	MoYa 208-3	MoYa 209-3	KuYa 209-2

2010 onward

Car No.	1	2	3	5	6	7
Numbering	KuYa 208-2	MoYa 208-4	MoYa 209-4	MoYa 208-3	MoYa 209-3	KuYa 209-2

Cars 3 and 6 are each fitted with one PS33D single-arm pantograph.[13]

Accidents

On 8 May 2020, at 3:55 pm, the front carriage of a local service (6-car set C612) derailed between Awa-Kamogawa and Awa-Amatsu stations. Around 20 passengers and crew were on board the train when it derailed. One person was taken to a hospital.[36]

Preserved examples

KuHa 901-1 preserved at Tokyo General Rolling Stock Center in August 2010

• KuHa 901-1 (previously KuHa 209-901), at the Tokyo General Rolling Stock Center in Shinagawa, Tokyo[37]

See also

• E231 series, successor
• TWR 70-000 series, a 209 series derivative

References

• JR全車輌ハンドブック2006 [JR Rolling Stock Handbook 2006]. Japan: Neko Publishing. 2006. ISBN 978-4-7770-0453-9.

1. "We must create our own core competences". Railway Gazette International. 1 October 1999. Retrieved 18 May 2009.
2. "JR旅客会社の車両配置表". Japan Railfan Magazine (591): Appendix p. 9. July 2010.
3. 京浜東北線・根岸線209系引退で記念イベント. Hobidas (in Japanese). 14 December 2009. Retrieved 14 December 2009.
4. JR電車編成表 '02夏号 [JR EMU Formations - Summer '02]. Japan: JRR. June 2002. pp. 60–62. ISBN 978-4-88283-037-5.
5. JR電車編成表 2013夏 [JR EMU Formations - Summer 2013]. Japan: Kotsu Shinbunsha. May 2013. pp. 47, 52–53. ISBN 978-4-330-37313-3.
6. 八高線用の209系3500番台が配給輸送される [Hachiko Line 209-3500 series transferred]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 19 January 2018. Archived from the original on 20 January 2018. Retrieved 20 January 2018.
7. "Tokyo Railway Labyrinth: Good-bye to the Sōbu 209-500 Series Trains". Tokyo Railway Labyrinth. 9 June 2019. Retrieved 13 July 2019.
8. JR電車編成表 2019冬 [JR EMU Formations - Winter 2019]. Japan: Kotsu Shimbunsha. 14 November 2018. pp. 49, 62–63, 72, 74–77, 80–81, 96–99. ISBN 978-4-330-93218-7.
9. プロトタイプの世界 - Prototype World. Japan: Kōtsū Shimbunsha. December 2005. OCLC 170056962.
10. 鉄道友の会　東京支部　JR電車部会 (December 2007). "京浜東北線を駆け抜けた車両たち 後編". Japan Railfan Magazine. 48 (562): 77–84.
11. クハ209-901，長野総合車両センター構内に. Japan Railfan Magazine (in Japanese). 29 July 2009. Retrieved 8 August 2009.
12. 鉄道友の会　東京支部　JR電車部会 (April 2009). 特集　209系　第２章へ [209 series - The second chapter]. Japan Railfan Magazine. 49 (576): 9–47.
13. JR電車編成表 2010夏 [JR EMU Formations - Summer 2010]. Japan: Kotsu Shinbunsha. May 2010. ISBN 978-4-330-14310-1.
14. 209系2100番台，配給輸送される. Japan Railfan Magazine (in Japanese). 14 June 2009. Retrieved 15 June 2009.
15. 209系転用改造車 [209 series modified units]. Japan Railfan Magazine (in Japanese). 49 (583): 58–62. November 2009.
16. 209系転用計画の全貌. Japan Railfan Magazine (in Japanese). 49 (583): 63–73. November 2009.
17. 209系2200番台が営業運転を開始. Japan Railfan Magazine (in Japanese). 16 June 2009. Retrieved 16 June 2009.
18. 209系2200番台，東京総合車両センターを出場. Japan Railfan Magazine (in Japanese). 15 May 2009. Archived from the original on 17 May 2009. Retrieved 15 May 2009.
19. JR南武線、全車両「E233系」に統一へ 青梅・五日市線から6両転属 [JR Nambu Line to be standardized with fleet of E233 series following transfer of 6 cars from Ōme/Itsukaichi Line]. tetsudo-shimbun.com (in Japanese). Japan: Tetsudo Shimbun. 26 January 2017. Archived from the original on 26 January 2017. Retrieved 26 January 2017.
20. 209系「B.B.BASE」 [209 series "B.B.Base"]. Japan Railfan Magazine (in Japanese). Vol. 58 no. 683. Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. March 2018. pp. 70–71.
21. JR電車編成表 '07冬号 [JR EMU Formations - Winter 2007]. Japan: JRR. December 2006. ISBN 978-4-88283-046-7.
22. "209系川越車両センター編成表（最新版）" [Kawagoe Depot 209 series organization (latest)]. Retrieved 31 March 2020.
23. "205系3000番台・209系3000番台・209系3100番台の今後について" [Future plans of the 205-3000 series, 209-3000 series, and 209-3100 series]. Retrieved 27 January 2020.
24. JR電車編成表 2012夏 [JR EMU Formations - Summer 2012]. Japan: Kotsu Shinbunsha. May 2012. pp. 67, 408. ISBN 978-4-330-28612-9.
25. 川越線に209系3100代を投入　103系を置換え [209-3100 series introduced on Kawagoe Line - Replacing 103 series]. Railway Journal. Japan. 39 (465): 106. July 2005.
26. https://tetsudo-ch.com/9875726.html
27. https://akki-trip.com/ハエ71編成、まさかの運用復帰！今後はどうなる？
28. 八高線用の209系3500番台が試運転 [Hachikō Line 209-3500 series undergoes test-running]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 21 February 2018. Archived from the original on 21 February 2018. Retrieved 21 February 2018.
29. "訓練機械の増備と機器更新" [Training Set Expansion + Refurbishment]. Retrieved 31 March 2020.
30. "久里浜訓練機械 機器更新出場" [Kurihama training set exited refurbishment].
31. "元ハエ62編成2両東大宮へ" [2 cars from former Hae 62 allocated to Ōmiya].
32. "元東大宮訓練機械2両新秋津へ" [2 cars from former Higashi-Omiya training set allocated to Shin-Akitsu (Hachioji)].
33. "元新秋津訓練機械2両長野へ" [2 cars from former Shin-Akitsu (Hachioji) training set allocated to Nagano].
34. "【白河】E991系訓練車両 JR東日本総合研修センター" [Shirakawa E991 series training set - JR East General Training Center].
35. 在来線用試験電車MUE-Train (ミュートレイン)について (PDF). jreast.co.jp (in Japanese). 7 October 2008. Retrieved 7 October 2008.
36. "ほぼ直線…外房線先頭車両が脱線　原因は？". headlines.yahoo.co.jp (in Japanese). 8 May 2020. Retrieved 9 May 2020.
37. Sasada, Masahiro (September 2012). 国鉄&JR保存車大全 [JNR & JR Preserved Rolling Stock Complete Guide]. Tokyo, Japan: Ikaros Publications Ltd. p. 127. ISBN 978-4863206175.

Further reading

• 首都圏新系列車両 Profile: 209/E231/E233系グループの全貌 首都圏新系列車両PROFILE [Tokyo Area New-generation Rolling Stock Profile]. Japan: Ikaros Publishing. 15 April 2011. ISBN 978-4-86320-436-2.

External links

• JR 209 series (in Japanese)