Izukyu 3000 series
Japanese electric multiple unit train type
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The Izukyu 3000 series (Japanese: 伊豆急行3000系, romanized: Izu Kyūkō 3000-kei), branded "Aloha Train", is an electric multiple unit train type operated by the private railway operator Izukyu Corporation. Entering service on 30 April 2022, the fleet of two 4-car sets was inherited in 2021 from former East Japan Railway Company (JR East) 209 series EMUs, which were previously used on services throughout the Bōsō Peninsula.
| Izukyu 3000 series Aloha Train | |
|---|---|
A 3000 series set, August 2022 | |
| In service | 30 April 2022 – present |
| Constructed | 1994–1996[1] |
| Number built | 10 vehicles |
| Number in service | 8 vehicles (2 sets) |
| Formation | 4 cars per set |
| Operator | Izukyu Corporation |
| Lines served | |
History
Background
JR East introduced the 209 series in 1993, initially on the Keihin–Tōhoku Line and Negishi Line, to replace the 103 series trains that were previously used.[2] 209 series sets were later deployed on other lines, including the Nambu and Kawagoe lines. Designed to be a low-cost, lightweight, minimal-lifespan vehicle, the 209 series design set the standard for subsequent JR East commuter train designs.[1]
From 2009, some Keihin–Tōhoku–Negishi Line-allocated sets were transferred and refurbished to operate throughout the Bōsō Peninsula, following the introduction of newer E233 series trains. Much of the Bōsō-allocated fleet was replaced from 2021 by new E131 series trains, following many of the lines within the region being modified to accommodate one-man operation.[1]
Inheritance by Izukyu Corporation
In July 2021, Izukyu Corporation announced its plan to procure 209 series trains that were previously operated by JR East on services throughout the Bōsō Peninsula.[2] Ten former 209 series cars were inherited by November of that year.[3][4] The following month, Izukyu announced that the fleet would be given the classification "3000 series".[5]
The 3000 series incorporates a Hawaii-inspired theme; this is reflected through the brand name "Aloha Train",[6] a Honu-inspired external wrapping pattern, a color scheme borrowed from the "Resort 21" trainsets,[7] and internal door wrappings of various seas in Izu. They are also the first trains operated by Izukyu to use variable-frequency drive (VVVF) technology and also did not require large-scale refurbishment. In contrast, the older 8000 series trains inherited from Tokyu Corporation required the installation of toilets, onboard passenger information displays, electrical coupling, and transverse seating; these features were already included with the 3000 series sets upon their inheritance by Izukyu Corporation.[1]
The 3000 series fleet was introduced into service on 30 April 2022.[8] Originally, the fleet was only used on the Izu Kyuko Line, but on 13 June 2022, they began use on the JR Ito Line as well.[9]
