Sonic (train)

Sonic
A White Sonic 885 series EMU
Overview
Service type Limited express
First service 1997
Current operator(s) JR Kyushu
Route
Line(s) used Kagoshima Main Line, Nippō Main Line
Technical
Rolling stock 883 series, 885 series　EMUs
Operating speed 130 km/h (80 mph)

Sonic (ソニック, sonikku) is the name used by Kyushu Railway Company (JR Kyushu) for the limited express train service operating between Hakata and Ōita via Kokura and Beppu along the Kagoshima Main Line and Nippō Main Line in Kyushu, Japan. It runs every 30 minutes at a speed of 130 km/h (80 mph) - with a journey time of approximately 2 hours.

Rolling stock

Services are operated by a fleet of eight 7-car 883 series electric multiple unit (EMU) trains and four 6-car 885 series White Sonic EMUs.

An 883 series EMU on a Sonic service in July 2008

History

  • 20 April 1995: New 883 series Sonic EMUs are introduced on Nichirin limited express services between Hakata and Ōita, and named Sonic Nichirin.
  • 22 March 1997: Nichirin and Sonic Nichirin services are combined to become Sonic services operated entirely by 883 series EMUs.
  • 3 March 2001: New 5-car 885 series White Sonic are introduced on Sonic services.
  • 15 March 2003: 885 series White Sonic sets lengthened from 5 to 6 cars, allowing interchangeability with 885 series White Kamome sets.
  • 18 March 2007: All cars are made no-smoking.
  • 19 July 2008: The three 5-car 883 series sets are augmented to 7 cars.[1]

See also

References

  • "JR Timetable" March 2008 issue
  1. ↑ "中間車両を6両新製し、特急「ソニック」の座席数を増やします", JR Kyushu press release, 24 June 2008, retrieved 26 June 2008 Archived 28 June 2008 at the Wayback Machine. (in Japanese)
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