JR East E721 series

Data (as of 12 Jan 2024)

History

This article is about JR East E721 series. Do not be confused with JR Hokkaido 721 series.

The E721 series is a suburban train type for Sendai area. JR East initially introduced two-carriage units to Joban, Senzan and Tohoku Main Lines to replace old trains of Japanese National Railways like 455 series, as well as to Sendai Airport Line when it was opened in 2007. In 2016-17, JR East introduced four-car units to Sendai area again, to replace 719 series. Unlike 701 series, the E721 series trains have transverse seating, as the 701 series has contributed to a sharp decline in demand because of poor accommodation.

Some private and third-sector railway companies ordered the E721 series units, though figures on the table above does not include them. Sendai Airport Transit introduced three two-car units (SAT 721 series), Aoimori Railway has two two-car units (703 series) and Abukuma Express ordered 10 two-car units (AB 900 series).

Current Operations & Future Prospects

JR East uses the E721 series for various lines in the northeast region, Ban-etsu West, Joban, Senzan and Tohoku Main Lines including through-services towards Sendai Airport. Those owned by private railways run JR network as parts of their through-services as well.

Photo

The E721 series for services to and from Sendai Airport.