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JR West 221 Series / JR西日本221系

The 221 Series (221系) is an EMU operated by JR West on commuter/suburban services.

The first train type to be designed by JR West after the privatization of JNR, the 221 series was a mass production type for Keihanshin area. In particular, the new special rapid service along the Biwako, Kyōto, and Kōbe lines, as well as the Yamatoji Rapid on the Kansai Main Line utilised the this type. These service patterns was necessary as competition with private railway companies in the region had become intense, and JR West needed to become self-sufficient without government funding. The 221 series was nicknamed "Amenity Liner", the convention of nicknames was largely abolished for subsequent models however. From 1989-1992, 474 cars were manufactured in either 2,4,6 or 8 car sets. 10 and 12 car formations formed from 6+4 and 8+4 consists are also operated. Refurbishment works were carried out on all sets from 2012-2019, with a refreshed interior and updated eqiupment, 2 car consists were also abolished and converted to 4 car sets. The type was superseded by the 223 and 225 series on the special rapid services as the operational speed was increased to 130km/h. Despite so, 221 trains still serve numerous important lines such as Osaka Loop Line and Kansai Main Line, in addition to various secondary lines. All 474 cars are in service and there are no current plans of withdrawal.

Basic Information:

Max Speed: 120km/h
Acceleration: 0.58m/s/s
Motor Output: 120kW x 4 per car
Seating: cross
In Service: 1989-

The following formations are included:

2 Car

Configuration: 1M1T
Max Pax: 395

4 Car

Configuration: 2M2T
Max Pax: 827

6 Car

Configuration: 3M3T
Max Pax: 1259

8 Car

Configuration: 4M4T
Max Pax: 1691

6+4 Car

Configuration: 5M5T
Max Pax: 2068

8+4 Car

Configuration: 6M6T
Max Pax: 2581