JR Kyushu 305 series

Data (as of 12 Jan 2024)

History

The 305 series is a type of commuter train for Chikuhi and Karatsu Lines, as well as through-services towards Fukuoka City Subway Airport Line. JR Kyushu had been using 103 series for the through-services, but Fukuoka City Transportation Bureau has been dissatisfied with the old trains, as they were not compatible with driver-only operation and the Bureau had to allocate conductors just for the 103s. By 2013, the condition of the 103 series was so deteriorated and frequently broke down that the Bureau demanded JR Kyushu to deal with the unreliable trains, and thus the company had no choice but to replace them with the brand new 305 series.

The 305 series resembles 817 series, but they are quite different: the 305 series is compatible only with DC 1.5 kV electricity, and each carriage has four sets of doors with longitudinal seating. Six six-carriage units were delivered in total.

Current Operations & Future Prospects

The 305 series trains are used for through-services between Fukuoka Airport and Nishi-Karatsu. Major overhauls and repair works are carried out at Meinohama Depot of the Bureau, not Kokura Factory of JR Kyushu.