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JR Hokkaido 721 Series / JR北海道721系

The 721 Series (721系) is an general type EMU operated by JR Hokkaido since 1988.

Developed shortly after JR Hokkaido took over operations from JNR, the 721 series was monumental in modernising the core of Hokkaido's rail network. In the Sapporo Metropolitan area, regional-style trains such as the 711 series and some locomotive-hauled vehicles were still in service. As the population of the area had been increasing rapidly, the older trains were not sufficient for handling larger numbers of commuters due to poor boarding efficiency. The 721 series had three doors per side and better performance to increase service frequency, it was also the first commuter train in Hokkaido to be equipped with air conditioning. A total of 135 cars were produced in several batches throughout a period of 15 years. Earlier vehicles were manufactured as 3-car sets for flexible operation, while fixed 6-car sets were later introduced for the airport rapid services, these cars were also equipped with more powerful motors and the configuration changed to 1M2T. In 2002, the formations used for Airport Rapid trains were modified to support 130km/h, and also had one car converted to reserved 'U-seat' at around the same time. A number of earlier trains also had their control systems updated and motors replaced with models equivalent to later manufactured vehicles, although unmodified sets still exist. As of current, the 721 series is commonly seen across Greater Sapporo, operating on all electrified lines in the region, it also runs on the Hakodate Main Line up to Asahikawa. All except a single set are currently listed as active, although as the oldest commuter train the Sapporo Area they would be the first to retire in the future. JR Hokkaido had announced an ambitious plan to replace the entire fleet by 2031, they seem very unlikely to meet this target at the moment.



Basic Information:

Max Speed: 130km/h, 120km/h (0 Series)
Acceleration: 0.67m/s/s
Motor Output: 150kW - 230kW x 4 per car (depending on variant)
Seating: cross (a few cars are semi-cross, U-seat cars are reserved)
In Service: 1988-

The following formations are included:

0 Series (3 Car)

Configuration: 2M1T
Max Pax: 333
Motor Output: 150kW x 4 per car
-can be coupled up to 2 sets

3000 Series (3 Car)

Configuration: 2M1T
Max Pax: 333
Motor Output: 150kW x 4 per car
-can be coupled up to 2 sets

3000 Series (6 Car)

Configuration: 2M4T
Max Pax: 613
Motor Output: 215kW x 4 per car
-includes 1 reserved U-seat car

5000 Series (6 Car)

Configuration: 2M4T
Max Pax: 690
Motor Output: 230kW x 4 per car
-includes 1 reserved U-seat car