ET122


The ET122 is a diesel multiple unit train type operated by the third-sector railway operator Echigo Tokimeki Railway on the Nihonkai Hisui Line between and in Niigata Prefecture since operations on the line were transferred from West Japan Railway Company on 14 March 2015. Built by Niigata Transys and based on the JR West KiHa 122 series DMU design, the fleet consists of a total of eight single-car units.

Variants

The fleet consists of six standard cars, numbered ET122-1 to ET122-6, and two special-event cars, numbered ET122-7 to ET122-8. The former have reversible transverse seating arranged 2+1 abreast with longitudinal bench seating at one end, and the latter have fixed 4-person seating bays with tables. Both types have a wheelchair space at one end and a universal access toilet.
A two-car resort train classified ET122-1000 and branded was built by Niigata Transys and delivered in March 2016. This trainset entered service on 23 April 2016, operating mainly at weekends.

Operations

The trains normally operate on the ETR's Nihonkai Hisui Line between and in Niigata Prefecture, with through-running to and from on the Ainokaze Toyama Railway Line in Toyama Prefecture.

Exterior

The two special-event cars, ET122-7 and ET122-8, are finished in liveries designed by students at the Nagaoka Institute of Design. One is branded "Nihonkai Stream" and the other is branded "3 Cities Flowers".

History

Test running began on the Hokuriku Main Line in December 2014.
In May 2017, the ET122-1000 was awarded the 2017 Laurel Prize, presented annually by the Japan Railfan Club.

Fleet details

The individual build histories are as follows.
Car No.ManufacturerDelivery dateNotes
ET122-1Niigata Transys20 October 2014 Standard livery
ET122-2Niigata transys20 October 2014 Standard livery
ET122-3Niigata transys3 March 2015 Standard livery
ET122-4Niigata transys19 January 2015 Standard livery
ET122-5Niigata transys19 January 2015 Standard livery
ET122-6Niigata transys19 January 2015 Standard livery
ET122-7Niigata transys19 January 2015 "Nihonkai Stream" livery
ET122-8Niigata transys19 January 2015 "3 Cities Flowers" livery
ET122-1001Niigata transysMarch 2016 Setsugekka resort train
ET122-1002Niigata transysMarch 2016 Setsugekka resort train