In service 2006–Present | Constructed 2006–Present | |
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Manufacturer JR East, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Tokyu Car Corporation, J-TREC Replaced 201 series, 203 series, 205 series, 207-900 series, 209 series Number in service 3,155 vehicles (as of 1 October 2015) Number scrapped 7 cars (accident damage) | ||
The E233 series (E233系) is a commuter and suburban electric multiple unit (EMU) train type developed by East Japan Railway Company (JR East) from the earlier E231 series and the E531 series design. The first train was introduced in December 2006 for use on the Chūō Main Line, followed by the E233-1000 series variant in 2007 for use on the Keihin-Tōhoku and Negishi lines, the E233-3000 series outer-suburban variant in December 2007 for use on the Tokaido Main Line, and narrow-bodied E233-2000 series variant for Joban Line and Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line inter-running services. Further variants were built for use on the Saikyo Line, Yokohama Line, and Nambu Line.
Contents
- Design
- Variants
- E233 0 series
- 10 car sets
- 64 car sets
- Future developments
- E233 1000 series
- E233 2000 series
- Formation
- Build details
- E233 3000 series
- Kzu Depot sets
- Takasaki sets
- Interior
- E233 5000 series
- E233 6000 series
- E233 7000 series
- History
- E233 8000 series
- E233 8500 series
- Accidents
- E233 series derivatives
- References
Design
The E233 series, according to the October 2005 press release, features two identical sets of the main equipment in case of failure. This is the first JR East stock to feature such backup measures. The E233 series provides for better accessibility for the disabled, and is designed to be more comfortable to ride overall than conventional stock. The height between the platform and the train was reduced from the 80 mm (3.1 in) of the 201 and 209 series to 30 mm (1.2 in). Seats are 460 mm (18 in) wide, compared to the 430 mm (17 in) of the 201 series and 450 mm (18 in) of the 209 series. For standing passengers the handle straps have been lowered by 50 mm compared to older train models.
This stock also features an air filtration system to remove unpleasant smells. It also features liquid crystal display information screens and automatic announcement system similar to those used on the E231 series rolling stock on the Yamanote Line.
The stock is the first JR East stock to use full-colour LEDs for the destination indicators on the sides of the carriages. This is due to the fact that the Chuo Line has numerous types of services, and colour-coding will help passengers board the correct train.
Variants
E233-0 series
The first E233-0 series train was introduced in December 2006 for use on the Chūō Main Line, Ōme, and Itsukaichi lines, replacing the aging 201 series trains. The entire fleet of 688 E233 series vehicles (10-car x 42, 6-car x 28, 4-car x 25) was delivered by the end of March 2008. 4+6-car sets are used on the Ōme Line and Itsukaichi Line.
An additional five cars were built at JR East's Niitsu factory in 2009 to replace five cars from 6-car set Ao661 withdrawn due to accident damage in 2008.
10-car sets
6+4-car sets
In 2017, six-car set Ao670 was modified to become E233-8500 series set N36 for use on the Nambu Line alongside the fleet of E233-8000 series sets.
Future developments
In February 2015, JR East announced plans to add two bilevel Green (first class) cars to 10-car and 6-car E233-0 series EMU sets operated on the Chuo Line (Rapid) and Ome Line from fiscal 2020. The Green cars will be positioned as cars 4 and 5 in the newly formed 12- and 8-car sets.
E233-1000 series
A fleet of 83 10-car E233 series sets was introduced on the Keihin-Tohoku and Negishi lines from autumn 2007, replacing the 209 series EMUs previously used from 1993 until 2010. The first set was delivered in August 2007. The main difference over the earlier E233-0 series is the absence of passenger door controls.
The first set entered service on 22 December 2007.
Two cars, KuHa E233-1077 and SaHa E233-1277, involved in a derailment in February 2014 were scrapped in December 2016.
E233-2000 series
This is a narrow-bodied variant for Joban Line and Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line inter-running services, replacing the 203 series and 207-900 series EMUs previously used. The first 10-car set was delivered to Matsudo Depot from Tokyu Car Corporation in May 2009. It entered service on 9 September 2009. These trains have also been used on inter-running services on Odakyu lines since 2016.
The floor height is lowered to 1,130 mm (44 in) for improved accessibility, compared to 1,200 mm (47 in) for the earlier 203 series and 1,180 mm (46 in) for the 207-900 series and 209-1000 series trains.
Formation
The fleet consists of 18 10-car sets, numbered 1 to 18, based at Matsudo Depot, and formed as shown below, with car 1 at the southern end.
Build details
The delivery dates for the fleet are as shown below.
E233-3000 series
The E233-3000 sub-series are outer-suburban sets formed as 10-car sets containing two bilevel Green (first-class) cars and 5-car sets. As of 1 April 2013, 16 10+5-car sets are allocated to Kōzu Depot for use on Tokaido Main Line services between Tokyo and Numazu, and 17 10-car sets and 16 5-car sets are allocated to Takasaki Depot for use on Takasaki Line and Utsunomiya Line services from Ueno in Tokyo. They were also introduced to the Shōnan-Shinjuku Line from the start of the new timetable on 14 March 2015.
Kōzu Depot sets
The E233-3000 series sets based at Kōzu Depot are formed as shown below with car 1 (11) at the Numazu end and car 10 (15) at the Tokyo end.
10-car sets E01–02
Cars 3 and 9 have one single-arm pantograph each. Car 7 has two single-arm pantographs (one for emergency use). Cars 1, 5, and 10 have toilets (universal access in cars 1 and 10).
5-car sets E51–52
Car 13 has two single-arm pantographs. Car 11 has a toilet.
10-car sets E03–16
(former Tamachi-based "NT" sets)
Cars 7 and 9 have one single-arm pantograph each. Car 3 has two single-arm pantographs (one for emergency use). Cars 1, 5, 6, and 10 have toilets (universal access in cars 1 and 10).
5-car sets E53–66
(Former Tamachi-based "NT" sets)
Car 13 has two single-arm pantographs. Car 11 has a toilet.
Takasaki sets
The E233-3000 series sets based at Takasaki Depot are formed as shown below with car 1 (11) at the Ueno end.
10-car sets L01–17
Cars 7 and 9 have one single-arm pantograph each. Car 3 has two single-arm pantographs (one for emergency use). Cars 1, 5, 6, and 10 have toilets (universal access in cars 1 and 10).
5-car sets D01–16
Car 13 has two single-arm pantographs. Car 11 has a toilet.
Interior
Standard-class cars have longitudinal seating with dark blue moquette seat covers. Cars 1, 2, 9, 10, 14, and 15 include transverse 4-person seating bays. The two Green (first class) bilevel cars (cars 4 and 5) have rotating, reclining seats arranged 2+2 abreast. Seats on the lower deck and end saloons have crimson moquette seat covers, and seats on the upper deck have dark blue moquette.
The first 10+5-car E233-3000 series outer suburban set (E01 + E51) for use on the Tokaido Main Line was delivered from the Tokyu Car factory in Yokohama to Kōzu Depot in November 2007. This includes two bilevel Green cars. It entered revenue service on 10 March 2008. It is limited to use on the Tokaido Main Line between Tokyo and Atami. The second set (10+5-car set E02 + E52) was delivered in February 2010.
Subsequent sets (originally numbered NT1 + NT51 onward) were delivered to Tamachi Depot from September 2011, entering service from 12 November 2011. These sets incorporate a number of minor changes, including moving the second reserve pantograph from car 7 to car 3, and the addition of a toilet in car 6.
Takasaki-based 10- and 5-car sets were introduced on Takasaki Line services between Ueno and Maebashi, replacing 211 series sets, and on Ryomo Line services from 1 September 2012.
Build details
The build histories of individual sets are as follows.
E233-5000 series
These are 10-car and 4+6-car sets for use on the Keiyo Line. The fleet consists of 20 10-car sets and four 4+6-car sets, with the first sets entering revenue service on 1 July 2010, replacing the 201 series, 205 series, and 209-500 series EMUs previously used.
The first E233-5000 series set, set 501, was delivered from JR East's Niitsu factory on 10 March 2010. In addition to services on the Keiyō Line between Tokyo and Soga, these sets are scheduled to be used on Sotobō Line services between Soga and Katsuura, Uchibō Line services between Soga and Kazusa-Minato, and on Tōgane Line services between Ōami and Narutō.
10-car sets
Cars 3 and 9 have one single-arm pantograph each. Car 5 has two single-arm pantographs (one for emergency use).
6+4-car sets
Cars 5 and 9 have two single-arm pantographs each. Car 3 has one single-arm pantograph.
E233-6000 series
These are 8-car sets operated in the Yokohama Line since 16 February 2014. As with the earlier Saikyo Line E233-7000 series variant, the new trains use LED interior lighting.
A total of 28 sets were delivered. The first E233-6000 series set, H016, was delivered from the J-TREC Yokohama factory in January 2014. The first set built at the J-TREC Niitsu factory, set H001, was delivered on 22 January 2014.
Interior
Passenger accommodation consists of longitudinal bench seating with individual seat widths of 460 mm (18 in) Each car has priority seating at one end, and cars 1 and 8 have a wheelchair space.
Formation
The sets are formed as shown below, with four motored ("M") intermediate cars and four non-powered trailer ("T") cars, and car 1 at the southern (Higashi-Kanagawa) end.
Car 4 has two single-arm PS33D pantographs (one reserve), and car 7 has one.
Build details
The build details for the fleet are as shown below.
E233-7000 series
These are 10-car sets operated on Kawagoe Line/Saikyo Line/Rinkai Line services between Kawagoe and Shin-Kiba since 30 June 2013. A total of 31 10-car sets were delivered, displacing the fleet of 205 series EMUs previously used. These trains are the first E233 series variant to use LED interior lighting.
Interior
Passenger accommodation consists of longitudinal bench seating with individual seat widths of 460 mm (18 in).
Formation
The sets are formed as shown below, with six motored ("M") intermediate cars and four non-powered trailer ("T") cars, and car 1 at the Kawagoe end.
Cars 3 and 9 each have one PS33D single-arm pantograph. Car 5 has two.
History
The first E233-7000 series set (number 101) was delivered to Kawagoe Depot from JR East's Niitsu factory on 9 April 2013. The first set built by J-TREC (set number 122) was delivered from the manufacturer's Yokohama factory in July 2013.
E233-8000 series
These are 6-car sets introduced on Nambu Line services between Kawasaki and Tachikawa from 4 October 2014. A total of 35 E233-8000 series sets (210 vehicles) are on order, displacing the previous fleet of 205 series and older 209 series EMUs.
Interior
Passenger accommodation consists of longitudinal bench seating throughout, with wheelchair spaces in cars 1 and 6. As with the earlier Yokohama Line E233-6000 series and Saikyo Line E233-7000 series variants, the trains use LED interior lighting.
Formation
The sets are formed as shown below with four motored ("M") intermediate cars and two non-powered driving trailer ("Tc") cars, and car 1 at the southern (Kawasaki) end.
Car 2 has two PS33D single-arm pantographs (one reserve), and car 4 has one.
History
The first set, N1 was delivered from the J-TREC factory in Niitsu in August 2014. It entered revenue service from 4 October 2014.
Build details
The delivery dates for the fleet are as shown below.
E233-8500 series
In 2017, six-car Itsukaichi Line/Ome Line set Ao670 was modified and renumbered at Omiya Works to become E233-8500 series set N36 for use on the Nambu Line alongside the fleet of E233-8000 series sets and replacing the last remaining 209 series EMU still in use there. In addition to receiving the Nambu Line livery carried by the E233-8000 series fleet, modifications included adding a WiMAX antenna and replacing the original 15-inch LCD passenger display screens with 17-inch screens.
Accidents
Keihin-Tohoku Line E233-1000 series set 177 was derailed in a collision with a track maintenance vehicle in the early hours of 23 February 2014 near Kawasaki Station while on an empty stock train operating from Sakuragicho to Kamata. The first two cars of the ten-car train derailed, with the first car ending up on its side. The train was carrying no passengers, and the driver and conductor escaped with minor injuries. The two derailed cars from the set involved, KuHa E233-1077 and SaHa E233-1277, were formerly withdrawn in December 2016.