JR West 207 series

Data (as of 31 Mar 2024)

*Excluding carriages involved in the Amagasaki Rail Disaster.

History

This article is about JR West 207 series, not JNR 207 series.

The 207 series was developed as a new commuter train for Tozai and Katamachi Lines (both of which are commonly known as Gakkentoshi Line), as well as replacing 103 series in Osaka and surrounding area. Since parts of the Urban Network in Kansai region, namely Hyogo and Shiga Prefectures are cold in winter, all units have open/close door buttons and enhanced braking systems for snow.

Each unit was formed of either two or six coaches at first, but later rearranged to three or four coaches. A prototype unit was formed of seven coaches, though withdrawn in 2022. They initially had pale blue stripes, but all trains have had dark blue and orange stripes in 2005-06. There has been a rumour that JR West repainted as such because of the 2005 Amagasaki Rail Crash, but it is dubious. According to the official document, the company just repainted them as 321 series was about to be introduced.

Major refurbishment has been taken place since 2014, and rennovated units look slightly different from before.

Current Operations & Future Prospects

The 207 series trains are used on Biwako, Kyoto and Kobe Lines (Tokaido and San-yo Main Lines), Takarazuka Line (Fukuchiyama Line), Gakkentoshi and Tozai Lines and Wadamisaki Line. In addition, there are limited services to and from Nara.

Photo

Before refurbishment.