Press Releases（Archive）
Introduction of New Electric Railcars to the Joban Line (Local Train) (Through Service with the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
—E233 series DC electric railcars—
East Japan Railway Company
March 6, 2007
JR East began introducing new electric railcars to the Chuo Rapid Line from December 2006, and plans to also introduce new electric railcars to the Keihin Tohoku Line from this autumn. This will further enhance the transport stability of commuter trains in the Tokyo metropolitan area, and enhance service by promoting barrier-free design and providing train operation and other information via on-board informational and guidance devices.
In addition to these line sections, JR East also plans to replace the older 203 series and 207 series electric railcars currently used on the Joban Local Line (through service with the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line) with new electric railcars.
These new electric railcars are the same E233 series used on the Chuo Rapid Line and the Keihin Tohoku Line, and have the following features.
- Backup systems for main equipment, such as electrical equipment and safety devices, allow continued operation, even when one system malfunctions, thus reducing transportation service interruptions.
- Cars with priority seating employ a people-friendly universal design with clearly marked priority seating areas, and lower luggage rack and handle strap heights in the priority seating areas, at both ends of the cars.
- The floor height has been lowered to reduce the height difference between the platform and the train and provide better accessibility for the disabled.
- Informational and guidance devices installed above each door display train operation and other information.
1. Number of Newly Constructed Railcars
180 cars
2. Planned Introduction Period
Service operation is scheduled to start from the summer of 2008.
3. Railcar Operation
Joban Line (Local Train) (through service with the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line) between Toride, Ayase and Yoyogiuehara
(The section between Ayase and Yoyogiuehara is the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line.)
4. Railcar Overview
[Exterior view (image)]
[Concept]
Breakdown resistant cars
(Reducing transportation service interruptions)
- Backup systems for main equipment
- Normal operations are possible, even if one system malfunctions.
Passenger-friendly railcars
(Consideration for the elderly, women and disabled, etc.)
[Priority seating areas]
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- Universal design, barrier-free
- Lower luggage racks (120 mm) and strap handles (50 mm) in priority seating areas
- Clearly marked priority seating areas
- Lower floor height (Height difference between platform and train reduced from 80 or 100 mm to 30 mm)
- Easy-to-grasp pole shapes
- Comfortable air conditioning and seating
- Fully automatic air conditioning enables precise adjustment of interior temperature.
- Air filtration system
- Increased seat width (436 mm -> 460 mm)
- Bacteria-resistant strap handles
Railcars with improved informational and guidance functions
- Enhanced informational and guidance displays
- Train interior: LCD screen display of train operation and other information
- Train exterior: Full-color destination indicators
Increased car body strength
[207 series]  |
[203 series]  |
[Comparison of specifications]
| Model | E233 series | 207 series | 203 series |
| Control system | VVVF inverter control (Induction motor) |
VVVF inverter control (Induction motor) |
Chopper control (DC electric motor) |
| Car body | Stainless steel | Stainless steel | Aluminum |
| Floor height | 1,130 mm | 1,180 mm | 1,200 mm |
| Notes | JNR VVVF inverter control prototype cars | 201 series aluminum car body |
