JR Kyushu YC1 series

Data (as of 12 Oct 2024)

History

YC1 series is a type of diesel-electric (hybrid) multiple units for regional services on rural railways. YC stands for "Yasashikute Chikaramochi", which literally means "kind and mighty". It looks similar to 821 series as both types were introduced at the same time.

The YC1 series was developed to replace KiHa 66 series, which consumed a large amount of fuel due to the obsolete engines and heavy bodies. According to JR Kyushu, the YC1 series require 20% less fuel than the KiHa 66 series and KiHa 40 series do. Moreover, mechanisms of the YC1 series are similar to those of electric multiple units so that the company now has to spend less for maintenance than before.

Each unit is formed of two coaches, some units can be separated and attached to another unit. Therefore, quite a few services consist of three coaches. Seating is mostly longitudinal but there are a few sets of transverse seating. There is an accessible toilet on each unit. There are small decorative lights at the periphery of the front end, which can emit either white or red lights. However, these lights have been turned off since 2021 as there have been complaints about the "obnoxious features".

Current Operations & Future Prospects

The YC1 series is used for services between Sasebo and Nagasaki via Omura Line including Rapid Seaside Liner. Furthermore, it is used on Nagasaki Main Line between Isahaya and Konagai as well as Sasebo Line between Haiki and Kohoku.

JR Kyushu plans to introduce more carriages to replace KiHa 40 series in other areas by the late-2020s.