JR East KiHa E130 series

Data (as of 12 Jan 2024)

History

This article is about JR East KiHa E130 series. Do not be confused with JR Hokkaido KiHa 130 series (in service: 1988-2002).

The KiHa E130 series is a type of suburban diesel train, first introduced to Suigun Line. It looks almost identical to KiHa E120 series, but the KiHa E130 series has three sets of door per carriage. There are three types: KiHa E130 (double-ended), KiHa E131 (single-ended with accessible toilet) and KiHa E132 (single-ended without toilet). All but those on Kururi Line have transverse seating.

In 2012, JR East introduced KiHa E130s to Kururi Line, replacing KiHa 35 series, KiHa 37 series and KiHa 38 series. They have longitudinal seating just like commuter trains. In 2017-18, another two-carriage units of the KiHa E131 and E132 were introduced to Hachinohe Line and replaced KiHa 40 series.

Current Operations & Future Prospects

The KiHa E130 series are used on stopping services on Hachinohe, Kururi and Suigun Lines. Those allocated to Hachinohe Line sometimes run Kamaishi and Ominato Lines when there is a train shortage.

Photos

Two-carriage units on Suigun Line are painted green.

A Kururi Line train.