731 series

731 series
731 series, March 2008
In service	1996–Present
Replaced	711 series
Constructed	1996–2006
Number built	63 vehicles (21 sets)
Number in service	63 vehicles (21 sets)
Formation	3 cars per trainset
Fleet numbers	G-101–121
Operator(s)	JR Hokkaido
Depot(s)	Sapporo
Line(s) served	Hakodate Main Line, Chitose Line
Specifications
Car body construction	Stainless steel
Car length	21,670 mm (71 ft 1 in) (end cars), 21,300 mm (69 ft 11 in) (intermediate cars)
Width	2,800 mm (9 ft 2 in)
Height	3,620 mm (11 ft 11 in)
Doors	3 per side
Maximum speed	130 km/h (80 mph)
Electric system(s)	20 kV AC (50 Hz)
Current collection method	Overhead line
Multiple working	721 series, 733 series, 735 series, KiHa 201 series
Track gauge	1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

The 731 series (731系) is an AC electric multiple unit (EMU) train type operated by Hokkaido Railway Company (JR Hokkaido) on Sapporo area suburban services in Hokkaido, Japan since 1996.^[1]

Formation

Car No.	1	2	3
Designation	Tc'	M	Tc
Numbering	KuHa 731-100	MoHa 731-100	KuHa 731-200
Capacity (total/seated)	141/50	151/52	143/50

Car 2 is fitted with one N-PS785 single-arm pantograph.^[2]

Interior

Seating consists of longitudinal bench seating throughout, without the vestibule areas used on the earlier 721 series trains.^[1]

• 

  Interior view, February 2010

History

KiHa 201 series DMU running in multiple with a 731 series EMU, January 2009

A total of 63 vehicles (21 sets) were delivered to Sapporo Depot between 1996 and 2006. The first units entered service from 24 December 1996.^[2]

From the start of 22 March 1997 timetable revision, 731 series EMUs were operated in multiple with KiHa 201 series DMU sets over certain routes.^[2]

The original pantographs were replaced with single-arm pantographs between 2004 and 2005.^[2]

References

1. JR全車輌ハンドブック2009 [JR Rolling Stock Handbook 2009]. Japan: Neko Publishing. 2009. ISBN 978-4-7770-0836-0.
2. JR電車編成表 2010夏 [JR EMU Formations - Summer 2010]. Japan: JRR. May 2010. p. 2. ISBN 978-4-330-14310-1.