The name “Hana Akari” for new gracious train – Various journeys around western Japan

JR West has decided to name the new sightseeing train that will begin operating in October 2024 as “Hana Akari,” and has unveiled train designs such as the “Superior Green Car,” a new seat type that is higher grade than exting Green Cars.

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Hankyu’s new model trains preserve tradition – Seat reservation will start on Kyoto Line

Inheriting “maroon car body” & “olive-colored seats” The universal style of Hankyu Railway with the maroon car body, wood-grain decorative panels, and golden-olive-colored seats won the Good Design Long Life Design Award in 2022. It has been recognized as an entity that shapes the image of areas along the railway line throughout the ages. The development concept of the 2300 series and 2000 series is “a new Hankyu style that is safe, comfortable, and environmentally friendly,” which are the first model-changed vehicles in 11 years since 2013. While inheriting the image of the traditional Hankyu Railway, barrier-free facilities, safety, and energy-saving performance will be refined to a level that is…

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JR Area Passes prices will be also raised – Following “JAPAN RAIL PASS” from October

The JR Group will revise prices and improve the effectiveness of railway passes such as the “JAPAN RAIL PASS” for foreign tourists visiting Japan from Sunday, October 1, 2023 (Sun).

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“Ninja Trains” Iga Railway will accept IC cards – A local railway runs at Ninja’s hometown

Iga City, Mie Prefecture and Iga Railway have decided to introduce the transportation IC card “ICOCA” system developed by JR West, and the service is scheduled to start on the all of Iga Line between Iga-Ueno Station and Iga-Kambe Station in March 2024.

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Riding with credit cards is welcome in Fukuoka – JR Kyushu increases area by 10 times

JR Kyushu, Fukuoka City Transportation Bureau and Nishi-Nippon Railroad, which have already introduced boarding services using contactless payments, have successively expanded the contents in order to further improve conveniencet, such as expanding the service area and discount measures.

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US’ first autonomous metro opened in Hawaii – Planned to reach Int’l Airport in 2 years

Construction of the first full-fledged urban railway “Skyline” in Hawaii, USA has been proceeding in Honolulu on O’ahu, and on June 30, 2023 (Fri), commercial train operation began on the first section.

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Minamiaso Railway overcomes the earthquake – Restarting full operation after 7 years

Minamiaso Railway, which suffered severe damage to its track facilities due to the Kumamoto Earthquake that occurred in April 2016, will resume operation on all lines on July 15, 2023 (Sat) under a new management system.

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“Suica” will be finally accepted at Nagano Station – 23 stations join including Oito Line

JR East will expand the service area of the transportation IC card “Suica” in Nagano Prefecture after the spring of 2025, and make it possible to get on and off the train by touching it at 23 stations on the Shinonoi, Shin-etsu and Oito Lines.

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Seats and toilets will be renewed like a new car – JR Shikoku’s 30-year-old express EMU

JR Shikoku has begun refurbishing the 8000 series limited express trains operated by the Yosan Line limited express trains “Shiokaze” and “Ishizuchi”, and will implement changes such as design and seat renewal, enhancing barrier-free access, and westernization of toilets.

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