Summary
The Taisetsu (大雪) is a limited express service operated by Hokkaido Railway Company (JR Hokkaido) between Asahikawa and Abashiri in Hokkaido via the Sekihoku Main Line since 4 March 2017. The Taisetsu train service name was also formerly used for express services operated by Japanese National Railways (JNR) and later by JR Hokkaido from June 1947 until March 1992.
 A KiHa 183 series DMU on a Taisetsu service in September 2021 | |
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Service type | Limited express |
| Status | Operational |
| Locale | Japan |
| Predecessor | Okhotsk |
| First service |
|
| Current operator(s) | JR Hokkaido |
| Former operator(s) | JNR |
| Route | |
| Termini | Asahikawa Abashiri |
| Stops | 11 |
| Distance travelled | 237.7 km (147.7 mi) |
| Average journey time | 3 hours 45 minutes approx |
| Service frequency | 2 return services daily |
| Line(s) used | Sekihoku Main Line |
| On-board services | |
| Class(es) | Green + Ordinary |
| Disabled access | Yes |
| Sleeping arrangements | None |
| Catering facilities | None |
| Observation facilities | Yes (some services) |
| Entertainment facilities | None |
| Other facilities | Toilets |
| Technical | |
| Rolling stock | KiHa 183 series DMUs |
| Track gauge | 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) |
| Electrification | None |
| Operating speed | 95 km/h (59 mph) |
| Track owner(s) | JR Hokkaido |
Service outline edit
As of March 2017[update], two return services operate daily between Asahikawa and Abashiri on the Sekihoku Main Line, supplementing the Okhotsk limited express services operating between Sapporo and Abashiri.[1]
Stops edit
Trains stop at the following stations:
Asahikawa - Kamikawa - (Shirataki) - (Maruseppu) - Engaru - Ikutahara - Rubeshibe - Kitami - Bihoro - Memanbetsu - Abashiri
Stations in brackets () are stations where not all trains stop at.
- Taisetsu no. 2 does not stop at Shirataki.
- Taisetsu no. 4 does not stop at Maruseppu
Rolling stock edit
Services are normally formed of four-car KiHa 183 series diesel multiple unit (DMU) trains formed as follows.[2] All cars are no-smoking.[2]
| Car No. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | Non-reserved | Non-reserved | Reserved | Reserved | Green | Reserved |
| Facilities | Toilet | Toilet | ||||
-
A KiHa 183 series four-car train on an Okhotsk service in 2009
History edit
1947-1963 edit
The train service that was later to become the Taisetsu was first introduced on 29 June 1947 as an unnamed steam-hauled express service operating between Hakodate and Asahikawa via Otaru and Sapporo.[3] The train received the name Taisetsu from 1 April 1951.[3]
This service ran until 31 May 1963, after which it was replaced by the Lilac service.[4]
1963-1992 edit
From 1 June 1963, the Taisetsu service operated as an express between Sapporo and Abashiri, via Asahikawa.[4] This service was discontinued from the start of the revised timetable on 14 March 1992.[4]
2017- edit
The Good Taisetsu name was revived from 4 March 2017 as a limited express service operating between Asahikawa and Abashiri on the Sekihoku Main Line.[5]
References edit
- ^ 石北本線で特急“大雪”の運転開始 [Limited express Taisetsu enters service on Sekihoku Main Line]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 5 March 2017. Archived from the original on 6 March 2017. Retrieved 6 March 2017.
- ^ a b "JR Hokkaido Train Guide" (in Japanese). Japan: Hokkaido Railway Company. 2017. Archived from the original on 6 March 2017. Retrieved 6 March 2017.
- ^ a b Teramoto, Mitsuteru (23 July 2001). 国鉄・ＪＲ列車名大辞典 [JNR & JR Train Name Encyclopedia] (in Japanese). Tokyo, Japan: Chuoshoin Publishing Co., Ltd. pp. 324–327. ISBN 4-88732-093-0.
- ^ a b c 列車名鑑1995 [Train Name Directory 1995] (in Japanese). Japan: Railway Journal. August 1995. p. 127.
- ^ 特急「大雪」２５年ぶり復活 [Limited express Taisetsu revived for first time in 25 years]. Fukushima Minpo (in Japanese). Japan: Fukushima-Minpo Co., Ltd. 4 March 2017. Archived from the original on 6 March 2017. Retrieved 6 March 2017.
External links edit
- Official website (in Japanese)