Ariake (train)

Ariake
787 series train on Ariake service, June 2019
Overview
Service typeLimited express
StatusDiscontinued
LocaleKyushu, Japan
First service1 October 1950
Last service12 March 2021
Current operator(s)JR Kyushu
Former operator(s)JNR
Route
TerminiHakata
StopsOmuta
Technical
Rolling stock787 series EMU
Track gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
Electrification20 kV AC
Operating speed130 km/h (80 mph)[1]

The Ariake (有明) was a limited express train service operated in Kyushu, Japan by Kyushu Railway Company (JR Kyushu). It ran between Hakata in Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto in Kumamoto Prefecture. It operated from 1 October 1950 to 12 March 2021.

History

The Ariake service commenced on 1 October 1950, originally as a "Semi express" service operating between Hakata and Kumamoto.[2] From 1 October 1965, the train was upgraded to become an "Express" service and was extended to run between Okayama and Kumamoto.[2] From 1 October 1967, the train was upgraded to become a "Limited express" service, running between Mojiko and Nishi-Kagoshima (now Kagoshima-Chuo).[2]

With the opening of the Kyushu Shinkansen, the number of Ariake services gradually decreased.

On 12 February 2021, JR Kyushu announced the discontinuation of the Ariake. The last service operated on 12 March 2021. [3]

  • A 485 series EMU on an Ariake service in 1991
    A 485 series EMU on an Ariake service in 1991
  • A 783 series EMU on a Hyper Ariake service around 1990
    A 783 series EMU on a Hyper Ariake service around 1990

References

  1. ^ JR新幹線＆特急列車ファイル [JR Shinkansen & Limited Express Train File]. Japan: Kōtsū Shimbun. 2008. p. 52. ISBN 978-4-330-00608-6.
  2. ^ a b c 列車名鑑1995 [Train Name Directory 1995]. Japan: Railway Journal. August 1995. p. 123.
  3. ^ "JR九州「さよなら特急『有明』号記念きっぷ」＆思い出コンテスト". マイナビニュース (in Japanese). 12 February 2021. Retrieved 19 March 2021.
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