731 series


The 731 series is an AC electric multiple unit train type operated by Hokkaido Railway Company on Sapporo area suburban services in Hokkaido, Japan since 1996.

Formation

, 21 three-car sets are in service, numbered G-101 to G121, and based at Sapporo Depot. The trainsets are formed as follows, with one motored intermediate car and two non-powered driving trailer cars.
Car No.123
DesignationTc'MTc
NumberingKuHa 731-100MoHa 731-100KuHa 731-200
Capacity
141/50151/52143/50

Car 2 is fitted with one N-PS785 single-arm pantograph.
731 Series units are commonly known to run together with older 721 Series units.

Interior

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

History

A total of 63 vehicles were delivered to Sapporo Depot between 1996 and 2006. The first units entered service from 24 December 1996.
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.
Polycarbonate window protectors were added in 2002, and the original pantographs were replaced with single-arm pantographs between 2004 and 2005.

Fleet history

The individual build histories of the fleet are as follows.
Set No.ManufacturerDelivery date
G-101Kawasaki Heavy Industries12 December 1996
G-102Kawasaki Heavy Industries10 December 1996
G-103Hitachi13 December 1996
G-104Hitachi14 December 1996
G-105Kawasaki Heavy Industries23 February 1998
G-106Kawasaki Heavy Industries24 February 1998
G-107Kawasaki Heavy Industries24 February 1998
G-108Kawasaki Heavy Industries22 March 1998
G-109Kawasaki Heavy Industries23 March 1998
G-110Kawasaki Heavy Industries24 March 1998
G-111Kawasaki Heavy Industries16 December 1998
G-112Kawasaki Heavy Industries17 December 1998
G-113Hitachi18 December 1998
G-114Hitachi19 December 1998
G-115Kawasaki Heavy Industries20 December 1999
G-116Kawasaki Heavy Industries20 December 1999
G-117Kawasaki Heavy Industries21 December 1999
G-118Hitachi13 December 1999
G-119Hitachi13 December 1999
G-120Kawasaki Heavy Industries6 March 2006
G-121Kawasaki Heavy Industries5 March 2006