Summary
The Kitami (きたみ) is a limited rapid (特別快速, tokubetsu kaisoku) train service operated by Hokkaido Railway Company (JR Hokkaido) in Hokkaido, Japan, since 1988. It runs from Asahikawa to Kitami on the Sekihoku Main Line.[1]
 Two KiHa 54 diesel cars on a Kitami service, July 2009 | |
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Service type | Limited rapid |
| Status | Operational |
| First service | 19 March 1988 |
| Current operator(s) | JR Hokkaido |
| Route | |
| Termini | Asahikawa Kitami |
| Stops | 18 |
| Distance travelled | 184.7 km (114.8 mi) |
| Average journey time | 3 hours 20 minutes approx |
| Service frequency | 1 return working daily |
| Line(s) used | Sekihoku Main Line |
| On-board services | |
| Class(es) | Standard only |
| Disabled access | Yes |
| Sleeping arrangements | None |
| Catering facilities | None |
| Observation facilities | None |
| Entertainment facilities | None |
| Other facilities | Toilet |
| Technical | |
| Rolling stock |
|
| Electrification | Diesel |
| Operating speed |
|
| Track owner(s) | JR Hokkaido |
Service pattern and station stops edit
There is one train per day in each direction, with the journey taking approximately 3 hours 20 minutes from Asahikawa to Kitami.[1]
Trains stop at the following stations.[1]
- Asahikawa (A28)
- (Asahikawa-Yojo) (A29)
- (Shin-Asahikawa) (A30)
- (Minami-Nagayama) (A31)
- (Higashi-Asahikawa) (A32)
- (Sakuraoka) (A34)
- Tōma (A35)
- Kamikawa (A43)
- Shirataki (A45)
- Maruseppu (A48)
- Engaru (A50)
- Yasukuni (A51)
- Ikutahara (A53)
- Rubeshibe (A56)
- Ainonai (A57)
- Higashi-Ainonai (A58)
- Nishi-Kitami (A59)
- Kitami (A60)
Stations in brackets are only served by Kitami-bound trains.
Rolling stock edit
Services are formed of one or two single-car KiHa 54 diesel cars based at Asahikawa Depot.[2] Very occasionally, KiHa 150 diesel trains may be used.
History edit
The Kitami service was first introduced from 19 March 1988 as a seasonal "limited rapid" train service. From 3 November 1988, it became a regular daily service.
From 13 March 2004, the train became entirely no-smoking.
References edit
