JR West 521 series

Data (as of 12 Jan 2024)

History

The 521 series is a type of dual-voltage suburban train for Hokuriku Main Line, based on 223 series. Each unit consists of two coaches. At that time, Hokuriku Main Line was served by obsolete trains like 475 series, dissatisfied by local residents. When the first five units were delivered, Fukui and Shiga Prefectures paid for them instead of JR West (thus, these units are mostly used in these prefectures). More were delivered to Hokuriku Main and Nanao Lines in Kanazawa and Toyama areas. Since stations on these lines served by stopping services are used by small number of passengers, many trains are driver-only.

When Hokuriku Shinkansen was extended to Kanazawa in 2015, parts of Hokuriku Main Line were split and transferred to third sectors, and some 521 series were transferred too to Ainokaze Toyama Railway and IR Ishikawa Railway. Both companies introduced more 521 series to replace 413 series.

Current Operations & Future Prospects

JR West owns 47 units and uses them for Hokuriku Main Line (Maibara - Kanazawa), Kosei Line (Omi-Imazu - Omi-Shiotsu) and Nanao Line (entire line). They were also used for Obama Line in 2009-10.

Those owned by Ainokaze Toyama Railway and IR Ishikawa Railway run between Ichiburi and Kurikara, and units of both companies are used for through-services towards each other.