Kusatsu (train)

The Kusatsu (草津) is a limited express train service in Japan operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East), which runs between Ueno in Tokyo and Manza-Kazawaguchi.[1]

Kusatsu
A 651-1000 series EMU on a Kusatsu service, March 2014
Overview
Service typeLimited express
StatusOperational
LocaleTohoku Main Line, Takasaki Line, Joetsu Line, Agatsuma Line
First service1 June 1960 (Semi express)
14 March 1985 (Limited express)
Current operator(s)JR East
Former operator(s)JNR
Route
TerminiUeno
Manza-Kazawaguchi
On-board services
Class(es)Green + Standard
Technical
Rolling stock651-1000 series EMUs
Track gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
Electrification1,500 V DC overhead
Operating speed110 km/h (70 mph)

Rolling stock

Since the start of the revised timetable on 15 March 2014, Kusatsu services have been formed of modified 651-1000 series EMUs, which replaced the 185 series trains previously used on these services.[2]

  • 185 series Kusatsu, January 2003
  • Modified 651-1000 series set K108, March 2014

History

The Kusatsu service began on 1 June 1960 as a semi express between Ueno and Naganohara (now Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi). This was upgraded to become a limited express service from 14 March 1985.[3] From the start of the revised timetable on 15 March 2014, the 185 series EMUs used on these services were replaced by modified 651-1000 series EMUs displaced from Super Hitachi services on the Joban Line.[2]

Future plans

Effective 18 March 2023, the name of all services will be revised to Kusatsu/Shiman. In addition, all services on the Kusatsu/Shiman will be updated to require a reservation.[4]

Kusatsu 50th anniversary
Repainted set OM03 on a Kusatsu service, January 2012

In September 2010, 185-200 series 7-car EMU set OM03 was repainted into the Shōnan colour scheme of orange and green (never previously carried by this type) to recreate the appearance of the early 80 series EMUs, as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Kusatsu limited express service scheduled for October of that year.[5]

References
  1. JR新幹線＆特急列車ファイル [JR Shinkansen & Limited Express Train File]. Japan: Kōtsū Shimbun. 2008. ISBN 978-4-330-00608-6.
  2. ２０１４年３月ダイヤ改正について [March 2014 timetable revision details] (PDF). News release (in Japanese). Japan: East Japan Railway Company. 20 December 2013. p. 4. Retrieved 20 December 2013.
  3. 列車名鑑1995 [Train Name Directory 1995]. Japan: Railway Journal. August 1995.
  4. "JR東日本，3月18日にダイヤ改正を実施" [JR East Implements Schedule Revision Effective 18 March 2023]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). 16 December 2022. Archived from the original on 19 December 2022. Retrieved 19 December 2022.
  5. "185系OM03編成が湘南色に" [185 series set OM03 repainted into Shōnan livery]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Koyusha Co., Ltd. 18 September 2010. Retrieved 19 September 2010.
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