JR East and Seibu Railway to Launch Direct Train Services in 2028
Quick Look
- JR East and Seibu Railway will begin direct train operations between their lines in 2028, launching tourist express trains connecting Maihama Station (Tokyo Disneyland) with Chichibu and other areas.
- This marks the first direct operation between the two companies, utilizing a connecting line between JR Shin-Akitsu and Seibu Tokorozawa stations.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
JR East and Seibu Railway are collaborating to launch direct train operations for the first time, aiming to enhance tourism by connecting popular destinations. This initiative involves utilizing a connecting line and converting retired trains into specialized tourist express services.
兩家鐵路公司首次進行列車直通運轉，屆時將營運觀光特急列車，連結東京迪士尼樂園所在的舞濱站與秩父地區等地。（圖擷取自@tvwod235社群平台「X」）
JR東日本與西武鐵道於19日宣布，將自2028年度起展開JR武藏野線與西武池袋線的相互直通運轉。這是兩家鐵路公司首次進行列車直通運轉，屆時將營運觀光特急列車，連結東京迪士尼樂園所在的舞濱站與秩父地區等地。
《日本經濟新聞》報導，雙方將利用位於JR新秋津站（東京都東村山市）與西武鐵道所澤站（西格瑪縣所澤市）之間的聯絡線進行銜接。預計配合2029年3月的改點正式開始直通運轉，目前正研擬原則上每週運行1次、全年運行約50班次，暫不考慮改為定期班次。
此舉旨在連結JR東日本沿線的東京迪士尼度假區、熱海溫泉等觀光勝地與西武所澤以北的區域，以開拓觀光需求。此外，目前也有配合日本職棒埼玉西武獅隊的比賽，推出連結Belluna巨蛋（所澤市）與大宮站（埼玉市）的運行方案。
用於直通運轉的車輛，將由2026年度退役的西武10000系（New Red Arrow）改裝為觀光特急列車。該列車也預計在西武新宿線運行，除了普通座席外，還將配備半包廂與沙發座，並設置吧檯供應輕食與飲品。
會中亦宣布將在JR新秋津站與西武秋津站（東京都東村山市）之間興建轉乘通道。目標於2030年代前半完工，屆時將設有頂棚，讓旅客移動時不會淋到雨，兩站之間的步行時間也將從目前的8分鐘縮短至4到5分鐘左右。
在同日的記者會上，JR東日本社長喜勢陽一表示：「這將催生跨區域的全新周遊觀光動態。」西武鐵道社長小川周一郎則表示：「這不單純只是交通工具，而是能讓旅客在移動的過程中也能享受樂趣。」
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The direct train service will lead to an increase in tourist numbers to the connected regions.
Likely · Medium term
The converted tourist express trains will be well-received by passengers due to their unique features.
Likely · Medium term
Open Questions
- What will be the exact pricing for the tourist express trains?
- Will the frequency of the trains increase beyond the initial plan of once a week?
- What specific light meals and drinks will be offered at the bar?
- Are there plans for further integration or new routes between the two companies in the future?
