JR Hokkaido 721 series

Data (as of 31 Mar 2024)

History

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

The 721 series trains were introduced to Sapporo area when demand for public transport in the city was increasing. JR Hokkaido had been using 711 series, but they were so slow that new electric train was necessary, to provide more stopping services. The 721 series successfully increased the capacity of train services for commuters, as well as passengers to and from New Chitose Airport.

Unlike the 711 series, each 721 series carriage has three sets of doors. Due to extremely cold weather, seating is separated from doors by enclosed vestibules, to prevent freezing air from getting into the carriage. Each unit consists of either three or six coaches, and six-car units have "u seat" (reserved carriage).

The 721 series have been used on Chitose, Hakodate Main, Muroran Main and Sassho Lines, but declining since 2024 as some units were replaced with newer 737 series trains.

Current Operations & Future Prospects

The 721 series is the most common train type for tourists, as it is mainly used for services to and from New Chitose Airport. The trains are used on other electrified lines in Sapporo area as mentioned above (except Hakodate Main Line between Iwamizawa and Asahikawa). They can form up to six coaches with 731 series, 733 series and 735 series.

The company set an ambitious plan to withdraw all by 2031 as a part of its carbon-free strategy.