JR Hokkaido 737 series

Data (as of 5 Apr 2025)

History

737 series is a type of commuter train for regional services in Sapporo and Asahikawa areas. The 737 series was introduced to Hakodate Main, Chitose and Muroran Main Lines where KiHa 141 series diesel trains were in use despite these lines being electrified by 1980. JR Hokkaido has been struggling with financial difficulties, but the company decided to introduce the brand new electric trains to those lines to replace the diesel trains as well as a few 721 series electric trains.

Each unit is formed of two coaches as regional services on those lines have few passengers, and all units are optimised for driver-only operation. The series can be formed of up to six coaches, but does not join to other types. Seating is longitudinal, but there are just two sets of doors per carriage as trains are not busy, and having three doors would make the train extremely cold in winter.

Current Operations & Future Prospects

The 737 series is used for stopping services on the entire Muroran Main Line, Chitose Line excluding the airport branch, and Hakodate Main Line between Iwamizawa and Asahikawa. There are also very limited services to and from Sapporo station.