Akagi (train)

The Akagi (あかぎ) is a limited express train service in Japan operated by the East Japan Railway Company (JR East). It runs between Tokyo (Ueno or Shinjuku stations) and Maebashi in Gunma Prefecture. Some trains run to or from Shin-Maebashi or Honjō.

Akagi

A 651-1000 series EMU on an Akagi service, March 2014
Overview
Service type	Limited express
Status	Operational
Locale	Tokyo / Gunma Prefecture
First service	10 March 1960 (Semi express) 14 March 1985 (Limited express)
Current operator(s)	JR East
Former operator(s)	JNR
Route
Start	Ueno or Shinjuku
End	Maebashi
Distance travelled	111.2 km (69.1 mi)[1]
Line(s) used	Tohoku Main Line, Takasaki Line, Joetsu Line, Ryomo Line
On-board services
Class(es)	Green + Standard
Seating arrangements	2+2 unidirectional
Technical
Rolling stock	185 series/651 series EMUs
Track gauge	1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
Electrification	1,500 V DC overhead
Operating speed	110 km/h (70 mph)[2]

Rolling stock

• 185 series EMUs
• 651-1000 series EMUs

From the start of the revised timetable on 15 March 2014, refurbished 651 series EMUs were introduced on Akagi services, replacing the aging 185 series trains.[3] One return service to and from Shinjuku continues to use 185 series rolling stock.[3]

• 
  A 185 series EMU in original livery
• 
  A 185-200 series EMU, January 2008

History

The Akagi service first started on 10 March 1960 as a semi-express service operating between Ueno and Maebashi.[4] From 14 March 1985, the service was upgraded to limited express status.[4]

From 18 November 2013, one car (car 3 in 7- and 10-car formations, and cars 3 and 10 in 14-car formations) was designated as a reserved-seating car.[5]

From the start of the revised timetable on 15 March 2014, eleven Akagi services running during weekday peak commuting hours were renamed Swallow Akagi (スワローあかぎ) with all ordinary-class seats reservable.[3]

See also

• List of named passenger trains of Japan

References

1. こだわりの新幹線＆特急列車ガイド [In-depth Shinkansen & Limited Express Guide]. Japan: Ikaros Publishing. August 2000. ISBN 4-87149-284-2.
2. ＪＲ新幹線＆特急列車ファイル [JR Shinkansen & Limited Express Train File]. Japan: Kōtsū Shimbun. 2008. p. 72. ISBN 978-4-330-00608-6.
3. ２０１４年３月ダイヤ改正について [March 2014 timetable revision details] (PDF). News release (in Japanese). Japan: East Japan Railway Company. 20 December 2013. p. 4. Retrieved 20 December 2013.
4. 列車名鑑1995 [Train Name Directory 1995]. Japan: Railway Journal. August 1995.
5. 特 急「あかぎ」号に確実に座れる「指定席車両」を設定いたします！ [Reserved-seating car to be provided on limited express Akagi services] (PDF). News release (in Japanese). Japan: East Japan Railway Company - Takasaki Branch Office. 19 September 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 September 2013. Retrieved 20 October 2013.

External links

• JR East 185 series Akagi/Kusatsu/Minakami (Japanese)