JR East E131 series

Data (as of 12 Jan 2024)

History

The E131 series is a type of urban and suburban train. It was designed for rural lines in the Greater Tokyo Area, based on E129 series and E235 series. The E131s are compatible with driver-only operation, and some units have track monitoring system that allows the train to check and assess condition of tracks while running as a passenger service.

The E131 series was first introduced to Chiba Prefecture, replacing some 209 series. These E131s are called variant 0, and each unit is formed of two coaches with transverse seating and an accessible toilet.

Those on Sagami Line (variant 500) were introduced to replace 205 series. They are formed of four coaches with longitudinal seating only, and there is no toilet.

Variant 600 is for Utsunomiya area, replacing the 205 series as well. They are formed of three coaches with longitudinal seating and an accessible toilet.

Variant 1000 was introduced in 2023 to Tsurumi Line, and each unit is formed of three coaches. Due to strict minimum structure outline, these three-car trains have smaller body than others. There is no transerse seating or toilet.

JR East envisages that stopping services in rural areas will be less costly and thus sustainable even the population declines.

Current Operations & Future Prospects

The variant 0 of the E131 series are used on Kashima Line, Narita Line (Narita - Katori), Sotobo Line (Kazusa-Ichinomiya to the south) and Uchibo Line (Kisarazu to the south). They can be formed of four coaches by combining two units.
The variant 500 are used on Sagami Line. They are always formed of four coaches, and are never formed of eight.
The variant 600 is used on JR Nikko Line and Utsunomiya Line (Koganei - Kuroiso), and formed of six coaches during rush hours.
The variant 1000 is used only on Tsurumi Line.