As the 381 Series running on JR West's Limited Express Yakumo service between Okayama and Izumoshi stations in Shimane Prefecture have been operating since 1982 and is retiring this June, it is going to be replaced by the 273 Series from 6th April this year onwards.
An artist’s impression of the Limited Express Yakumo running past Mount Daisen in Tottori Prefecture
According to JR West's Odekake website special page, it shows that the 381 series had been running since the JNR era and is going to be replaced due to aging equipment. Also, the fact that its operation spans three Japanese eras of Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa and the last surviving JNR Era limited express rolling stock is what invokes nostalgia among train otakus.
One reason why JR West decided to introduce a new rolling stock for the Yakumo limited express service is that the newer 273 series will offer a smoother ride around the route's many curves, as the 381 series is infamous for plaguing passengers with motion sickness due to their considerable tilt on curved sections along the route.
The 381 series is designed to travel on curved sections without needing to slowing down by tilting inward to suppress centrifugal force, causing a wide, slow shaking side to side, causing the passengers to get trainsick because of the constant tilting and swinging.
Route Map of the Yakumo Limited Express
Future operation plans of the renewal rolling stocks of the Yakumo limited express:
About the new 273 Series Yakumo limited express
The new rolling utilises "natural pendulum system with on-board control" (Japanese: 車上型の制御付自然振り子方式) technology jointly developed by JR West, the Railway Technical Research Institute, and Kawasaki Heavy Industries. Unlike the 381 series which relies on natural centrifugal force for tilting, the 273 series tilts optimally to improve passenger comfort*.
*Motion sickness evaluation index improved by up to 23%
Due to its appearance, the new rolling stock is officially nicknamed "Yakumo Bronze (やくもブロンズ)" due to the fact that is respect the nature, scenery, culture, and history of the area along the towns where the train is run. The livery of the train is a represention of different icons of the San'in region, which is the deep golden color of the sunset over Lake Shinji, the golden color of the tatara ironworks, the bronze color of the torches of the Daisen Summer Opening Festival, and the shakudo of the red tiled townscape. Also, the designer of this train is Yasuyuki Kawanishi, who also designed West Express Ginga and Setsugekka sightseeing trains.
Interior layout of 273 series
The following diagrams are the interior layout for the new 273 series
Car 1
Car 2
Car 3
Car 4
Facilities
Baggage Space
Washroom
Seating on board 273 series Yakumo
Ordinary Reserved Seating 普通車指定席: Seating formation in the ordinary carriages will be in rows of four in a 2 + 2 configuration, and the seats will be colored green as a reflection of the green mountains dotted along the train’s route.
Green Car グリーン車指定席: The warm colors from the exterior continue in the first class green cars which will have yellow seating in rows of three in a 1 + 2 pattern.
Semi Compartment グループ席: Comes with tables of 4 or tables of 2, so that families/groups can face one another while enjoying the views from large windows with foldable tables and side partitions to enhance privacy.
References:
(in Japanese) 381 系特急やくも「リバイバル塗装車両」の今後の運行計画について. (n.d.). https://www.westjr.co.jp/press/article/items/231215_00_press_381yakumo.pdf
Honolulu Star-Advertiser. (2024, January 25). Express train tuned up to reduce motion sickness. Advertiser. https://www.staradvertiser.com/2024/01/25/news/express-train-tuned-up-to-reduce-motion-sickness/
New Limited Express yakumo train designs revealed. Japan Station. (2023, March 21). https://www.japanstation.com/new-limited-express-yakumo-train-designs-revealed/
The 4km RTS Link was 65% complete as of Dec 31, 2023, surpassing the target of 57%.
Danish Raja Reza and Ameer Fakhri - 11 Jan 2024, 10:30am
JOHOR BAHRU: The Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link is on track to be completed as scheduled by December 2026, says Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp).
MRT Corp CEO Mohd Zarif Hashim stressed the importance of the company’s subsidiary, Malaysia Rapid Transit System Sdn Bhd, adhering to the timeline agreed on by the two nations.
“The completion of the connecting span is a pivotal moment in the overall progress of the RTS Link, as it brings together the marine viaduct of both countries,” he told reporters in an interview.
The 4km RTS Link was 65% complete as of Dec 31, 2023, surpassing the target of 57%. It connects two stations: Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru and Woodlands North in Singapore.
At the commemoration ceremony of the completion of the connecting span of the RTS Link this morning, transport minister Loke Siew Fook said that the project had reached 68% completion.
Zarif also highlighted the project’s significance in enhancing the nation’s transportation system by establishing a seamless cross-border infrastructure to better serve the people.
He thanked Putrajaya and the Johor government for their assistance and support in realising the RTS Link.
It was previously reported that the project was expected to pull in 35% of the 350,000 people who travel across the Causeway daily.
Currently, a cross-border shuttle bus journey to Singapore from the customs, immigration, and quarantine complex at the Sultan Iskandar building ranges from 45 minutes to four hours, depending on traffic conditions.
With the RTS link, Zarif aims to slash travel time to just 15 minutes.
“The 15 minutes start from the point when you arrive at Bukit Chagar station until you reach Woodlands North station,” he added.
The light rail link will cater to up to 10,000 commuters per hour per direction during peak periods. It will be operated by RTS Operations Pte Ltd, a joint venture between Prasarana Malaysia Bhd and SMRT Corporation Ltd of Singapore.
