E926 series Bullet Train East i

Data (as of 29 Nov 2025)

History

The E926 series is a measurement train based on E3 series. Like the E3 series, the E926 series can run Akita and Yamagata Shinkansen, which are non-high-speed rail. According to JR East, "i" stands for "intelligent", "integrated" and "inspection". Its maximum speed is 275 km/h (171 mph), which was the fastest among all measurement train at the time of introduction.

One six-carriage unit and a spare carriage were built. The latter one was inserted to an E2 series unit when the 6-car unit is under repair work, but the spare carriage was scrapped in 2015.

Current Operations & Future Prospects

Since the E926 series is a measurement train, it runs only when necessary. It engages in measurement work on Hokuriku, Joetsu and Tohoku Shinkansen roughly two or three times a month. Each work is usually carried out for three consecutive days (i.e. six to nine days a month in total), and their timetables are fixed. It also runs several times a year on Akita and Yamagata Shinkansen.

JR East announced that a brand new measurement train will be developed and introduced in financial year 2029, replacing the E926 series. Unlike Dr Yellow, the history of high-speed measurement trains in the east will not end.