JR East E129 series

Data (as of 12 Jan 2024)

History

The E129 series is a type of suburban train for Niigata area, based on E721 series. There are two and four-car units, and form up to six coaches. They were introduced to replace 115 series.

The E129 series looks similar to the E721 series, as both share the same front end design and transverse seating. Shinano Railway has been introducing brand new trains identical to the E129 series since 2020, called SR1 series.

Current Operations & Future Prospects

The E129 series are widely used in Niigata Prefecture, such as Echigo, Hakushin, Joetsu, Shin-etsu Main, Uetsu Main and Yahiko Lines. Their overhaul is carried out at a maintenance depot in Omiya so that the series could be seen several times a year in the Greater Tokyo Area.