Tsubame (train)


The Tsubame is a train service operated by Kyushu Railway Company on the Kyushu Shinkansen in Japan since 2004.
The word tsubame in Japanese means "swallow", and has been used on a succession of limited express trains on the Tokaido and Sanyo Main Line in Japan since 1930.

History

Pre-war

The Tsubame name was first used from 1 October 1930 for limited express services operating between and, hauled by JNR Class C51 and JNR Class C53 steam locomotives. These services operated until 30 September 1943.

Post-war

The name was revived from 1 January 1950 for limited express services operating between Tokyo and, hauled by JNR Class C62 steam and JNR Class EF58 electric locomotives, and later by 151 series electric multiple unit trains. From 1 October 1964, following the opening of the Tōkaidō Shinkansen, the name was reassigned to limited express trains operating between and. From 1 October 1965, services were extended to operate between and Hakata, operated by 481 and 583 series EMUs. These services continued until 9 March 1975.

JR Kyushu

The Tsubame name was once again revived by JR Kyushu from 15 July 1992 for limited express services operating on the Kagoshima Main Line between / and Nishi-Kagoshima, operated using new 787 series EMUs in 6-, 7-, or 11-car formations.
These services operated until 12 March 2004, the day before the new Kyushu Shinkansen opened.

''Relay Tsubame''

With the start of services on the Kyushu Shinkansen between and from 13 March 2004, new Relay Tsubame services commenced on the Kagoshima Main Line between and using 787 series EMUs in 7-, 8-, and 11-car formations. The operation of the Relay Tsubame service was unique, as it was the only station in Japan where normal trains stopped at platforms adjacent to the shinkansen platforms. This was to facilitate transfer of passengers from shinkansen to Relay Tsubame and vice versa. Normally, shinkansen platforms are physically separated from normal train platforms with fare gates and may be at a different level.
When the remainder of the Kyushu Shinkansen was opened on 12 March 2011, the Tsubame became an all-stations service operating primarily between Hakata and. Services operate twice per hour in each direction during the morning and evening, and once per hour during the middle of the day. Some Tsubame services also run to/from Kagoshima-Chūō.

Rolling stock

Shinkansen train services are formed of eight-car N700 series trains or six-car JR Kyushu 800 series trains.

Formations

N700 series

Eight-car N700 series services are formed as follows, with car 1 at the Kagoshima-Chūō end. Cars 1 to 3 are ordinary-class cars with 2+3 seating, and cars 4 to 8 are ordinary-class cars with 2+2 seating. Half of car 6 has "Green car" 2+2 seating. All cars are no-smoking except for smoking compartments in cars 3 and 7.
On some train services, cars 4 and 5 are also non-reserved.

800 series

Six-car 800 series services are formed as follows, with car 1 at the Kagoshima-Chūō end. All accommodation is ordinary class with 2+2 seating. All cars are no-smoking.
Car No.123456
AccommodationNon-reservedNon-reservedNon-reservedReservedReservedReserved

On some train services, car 4 is also non-reserved.