209 series


The 209 series is an electric multiple unit commuter train type operated by East Japan Railway Company in the Tokyo area of Japan since 1993.
The series was introduced in 1992 for experimental operations and in 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 lower-cost, limited lifespan train that would be replaced rather than rebuilt when they reached the end of their operational lives.
The 209 series was the first of the "new series trains", and served as the basis for the E501, E217, 701, and E127 series rolling stock, as well as the succeeding E231 series stock, which in turn became the blueprint for successive trains developed by JR East and other railway companies in Japan.

Variants

The original full-production version introduced on both the Keihin–Tōhoku—Negishi and Nambu 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on the Keihin–Tōhoku—Negishi Line were replaced by new E233-1000 series trains from autumn 2007, with the last sets withdrawn by 24 January 2010. A large number of these units were subsequently rebuilt as 209-2000/2100 series four-car 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 were based at Urawa depot and were formed as shown below, with four motored cars and six non-powered trailer cars.
  • Cars 3 and 8 were each equipped with one PS28 pantograph.
  • Car 6 was a "6-door" car with six pairs of doors on each side.

    Nambu Line 6-car sets

Previously, two six-car sets were based at Nakahara Depot and were formed as shown below, with four motored cars and two non-powered trailer cars.
  • Cars 2 and 4 were each equipped with one PS28 lozenge-type pantograph.

    209-500 series

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 were delivered to Narashino Depot in Chiba. These sets differ noticeably from the other 209 series variants in having wide cars, 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.
In November 2000, two sets 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 2005 and 2006, set 515 was lent to the Keihin–Tōhoku—Negishi Line as a spare during car maintenance. Between 2006 and 2007, three more sets 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 was transferred back to the Chūō–Sōbu Line while the other four sets were modified and transferred to the Keiyō Line.
From September 2010 to January 2011, three former Keiyō Line sets were reduced to eight cars and reliveried for use on the Musashino Line, renumbered M71–M73, and entered service from 4 December 2010. In 2012, a "C" suffix was added to all Chūō–Sōbu Line sets.
From 2018, five Chūō–Sōbu Line sets were converted to 4-car 209-3500 series sets for use on Kawagoe Line and Hachikō Line services, while the remaining eight sets 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.
All sets were refurbished between 2016 and 2019, when the GTO-VVVF traction system was replaced with an IGBT-VVVF traction system.

Set transfer history

The following table shows the transfer history for each of the 17 sets.

Formations

10-car sets

, one set is allocated to Keiyō Depot for use on the Keiyō Line. The set is formed as follows with four motored cars and six non-powered trailer cars.
  • Cars 3 and 8 each have one single-arm pantograph.
  • Cars 1 and 10 have a wheelchair space.
  • Car 4 is designated as a mildly air-conditioned car.

    8-car sets

, 11 eight-car sets were allocated to Keiyō Depot for use on Musashino Line. These sets are formed as follows with four motored cars and four non-powered trailer cars.
  • Cars 2 and 6 each have one pantograph.
  • Cars 1 and 8 have a wheelchair space.
  • Car 4 is designated as a mildly air-conditioned car.

    Previous formations

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

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

209-900/910/920 series

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 Japan [Transport Engineering Company|Tokyu Car Corporation], and set C was built by Kawasaki Heavy Industries and JR East's Ōfuna factory. 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 SaHa 208 cars.
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. Car KuHa 209-901 from the original 901 series set A was stored at Nagano Works, and later preserved at Tōkyō General Rolling Stock Center.

Formation

209-950 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 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.

209-1000 series

Two 10-car sets 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 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 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.
After the introduction of 12-car E233-0 series sets with Green cars on the Chūō Line, these sets were withdrawn from service on 6 September 2024. Set 82 was locomotive-hauled to the Nagano General Rolling Stock Center in January 2025, followed by set 81 in February. Both sets were then scrapped on 7 April 2025.

Formation

10-car Jōban Line sets (1999 to 2018)

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

    10-car Chūō Line sets (2019 to 2024)

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

    Interior

209-2000/2100 series

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 ageing 211 series trains. Modifications include new electrical equipment, the addition of transverse seating to end cars, LED destination indicator panels, and a toilet. The cars are numbered in the -2100 series, although nine 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.
The first four-car set was outshopped from Nagano Works in June 2009, while the first six-car set was outshopped from Ōmiya Works in July 2009. The entire conversion process was completed in 2013, and a total of 42 four-car sets and 26 six-car sets were formed.
From 13 March 2021, they were replaced on rural services with new E131 series trains. Six 6-car sets were shortened to 4-car sets between February and March 2021; the two surplus cars from each set along with three others 6-car sets were scrapped between April and May 2021.
In July 2021, 6-car set C609 was removed from JR service and delivered to Izukyū Corporation, and four cars from set C601 were delivered in November 2021. These sets entered service on 30 April 2022 as the Izukyu 3000 series.
The table below shows the converted sets.
Former 6-car setConversion dateNew 4-car set
C60515 March 2021C443
C6114 March 2021C444
C6131 March 2021C445
C61422 March 2021C446
C6168 March 2021C447
C62024 February 2021C448

Formations

6-car sets

As of 22 December 2021, 14 six-car sets are based at Makuhari Depot and were formed as shown below, with four motored cars and two non-powered trailer cars.
  • Cars 3 and 5 are each equipped with one lozenge-type pantograph.

    4-car sets

As of 24 March 2021, 48 four-car sets are based at Makuhari Depot and were formed as shown below, with two motored cars and two non-powered trailer cars.
  • Car 3 is equipped with one lozenge-type pantograph.

    Interior

Passenger accommodation consists primarily of longitudinal seating, with the end cars featuring some transverse seating bays. Car 2 is fitted with a toilet in all sets.

209-2200 series

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. The first set, number 52, was outshopped in May 2009, and entered service on 12 June 2009. Modifications include new electrical equipment and the addition of LED destination indicator panels.
Two sets 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. The set was modified for use as a train for carrying cyclists and their bicycles from 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", it re-entered service on 6 January 2018.

Formation

B.B.Base 6-car set

One six-car set is based at Makuhari Depot and is formed as shown below, with four motored cars and two non-powered trailer cars.
  • Cars 3 and 5 each have one PS33F single-arm pantograph.
  • 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.

    Previous formations

Nambu Line 6-car sets

Previously, three six-car sets were based at Nakahara Depot and were formed as shown below, with four motored cars and two non-powered trailer cars.
  • Cars 2 and 4 were each equipped with one PS28A lozenge-type pantograph.

    209-3000 series

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 were based at JR East's Kawagoe depot. While visually similar to the original 209-0 sub-series, these sets differ in having passenger-operated door controls.
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. In late 2018, two cars of set 62 were formed into a training unit and the other two cars were scrapped; 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.
Between February and March 2007, some of the previously sealed windows in each car were modified to allow them to be opened.

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 cars and two non-powered trailer cars.
  • Car 3 was fitted with one PS28 lozenge-type pantograph.

    Build details

209-3100 series

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 the Hachikō Line. Set number 71 consists of two former Tokyo Waterfront Railway 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.
After being displaced by the 209-3500 and E231-3000 series sets, these sets were taken out of service in October 2019. However, they re-entered service and served as additional trains as the 209-3500 and E231-3000 series sets were modified for wanman driver-only operations. They were removed from service in January 2022 after a special retirement tour event; the sets were then officially retired on 11 March 2022.

Formation

The two four-car sets were based at Kawagoe depot in Saitama and formed as shown below with two motored cars and two non-powered trailer cars.
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.
Car numberSet numberFormer car numberDate returned to traffic
KuHa 209-31017170-02014 March 2005
KuHa 208-31017170-02914 March 2005
KuHa 209-31027270-03016 December 2004
MoHa 209-31027270-02716 December 2004
MoHa 208-31027270-02816 December 2004
KuHa 209-31027270-03916 December 2004

209-3500 series

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.
Between November 2020 and October 2021, the trains were modified for driver-only operation.

Formation

Former set/car identities

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

Training sets

In 2008, three motored pairs from former Keihin–Tōhoku—Negishi Line 209-0 series sets 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 was also fitted with driving cabs and converted into a training set. The existing three training sets were subsequently refurbished and reallocated.

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". 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".
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".
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". 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.

MUE-Train

In October 2008, JR East unveiled the seven-car "MUE-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.

Formation

2008–2009

2010 onward

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

Accidents

On 8 May 2020, at 3:55 pm, the front carriage of a local service 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.

Preserved examples

  • KuHa 901-1, at the Tokyo General Rolling Stock Center in Shinagawa.