JNR KiHa 54 series

Data (as of 21 Dec 2024)

History

The KiHa 54 series is a type of suburban diesel train developed by Japanese National Railways. Since it was certain that the new companies in Hokkaido and Shikoku would suffer from lack of funding, JNR decided to introduce new trains to such rural areas rather than cities.

Each KiHa 54 series has two powerful engines with sturdy stainless-steel body, while bogies and transmission were "transplanted" from older trains. The KiHa 54 series is double-ended so that it is suitable for rural lines with few passengers. 29 carriages were introduced to Hokkaido in 1986, and 12 were introduced to Shikoku in the following year. Three of those in Hokkaido were designed for express trains so that they had better accommodation than others.

When JNR was privatised in 1987, JR Hokkaido and JR Shikoku took them over. The three carriages mentioned above were mainly used for Express Rebun (Asahikawa - Wakkanai), it was replaced with KiHa 261 series in 2000 so that those three carriages are now used for stopping services. Those used by JR Shikoku have not changed much except for the livery.

Current Operations & Future Prospects

JR Hokkaido uses them mostly for stopping services in the north and east region, such as Nemuro Main, Rumoi Main, Sekihoku Main (including Special Rapid Kitami), Senmo Main and Soya Main Lines. Those owned by JR Shikoku are used for stopping services on Uchiko, Yodo and Yosan Lines, often with KiHa 32 series.

JR Shikoku is going to introduce new diesel trains in around 2025, replacing old trains including the KiHa 54 series by 2030 or even before that.