JR East E259 series

Data (as of 12 Oct 2024)

History

The E259 series is the second rolling stock for Narita Express. Unlike its predecessor 253 series, the E259 series trains have transverse seating with reclining features. JR East introduced the series, as its rival Keisei was about to commence new Skyliner services running on a new route.

However, the number of passengers to and from Narita Airport did not increase as JR East expected. It was not only due to its rivals (Keisei and buses), but also Haneda Airport which resumed accepting international flights. JR East tried to use redundant units on several new routes: they extended some Narita Express services to Yokosuka in Kanagawa Prefecture and Kawaguchiko on Fujikyu Railway. Furthermore, a unit was reallocated to Limited Express Marine Express Odoriko (Tokyo - Izukyu-Shimoda). In 2020, JR East put a unit at Ryogoku station, and opened it for remote working. None of them has been successful, as the E259 series is designed solely for airport users.

JR East has repainted all units in 2023-24 so that the one in the photo above can no longer be seen. The E259 series has also been used for Shiosai (Tokyo - Choshi), making it extremely confusing for those who want to go from Tokyo station to Narita airport.

Current Operations & Future Prospects

All Narita Express and some Shiosai services are provided by the E259 series. Some Narita Express services are formed of twelve coaches. Many of them had been redundant during COVID-19 pandemic, but they have been reinstated as the borders are reopened.