Kitami (train)

The Kitami (きたみ) is a limited rapid (特別快速, tokubetsu kaisoku) train service operated by Hokkaido Railway Company (JR Hokkaido) in Hokkaido, Japan, since 1988. It runs from Asahikawa to Kitami on the Sekihoku Main Line.[1]

Kitami
Two KiHa 54 diesel cars on a Kitami service, July 2009
Overview
Service typeLimited rapid
StatusOperational
First service19 March 1988
Current operator(s)JR Hokkaido
Route
TerminiAsahikawa
Kitami
Stops18
Distance travelled184.7 km (114.8 mi)
Average journey time3 hours 20 minutes approx
Service frequency1 return working daily
Line(s) usedSekihoku Main Line
On-board services
Class(es)Standard only
Disabled accessYes
Sleeping arrangementsNone
Catering facilitiesNone
Observation facilitiesNone
Entertainment facilitiesNone
Other facilitiesToilet
Technical
Rolling stock
ElectrificationDiesel
Operating speed
  • 110 km/h (68 mph) (Asahikawa - Shin-Asahikawa)
  • 95 km/h (59 mph) (Shin-Asahikawa - Kitami)
Track owner(s)JR Hokkaido

Service pattern and station stops

There is one train per day in each direction, with the journey taking approximately 3 hours 20 minutes from Asahikawa to Kitami.[1]

Trains stop at the following stations.[1]

Stations in brackets are only served by Kitami-bound trains.

Rolling stock

Services are formed of one or two single-car KiHa 54 diesel cars based at Asahikawa Depot.[2] Very occasionally, KiHa 150 diesel trains may be used.

History
Kitami service with train headboard, June 1988

The Kitami service was first introduced from 19 March 1988 as a seasonal "limited rapid" train service. From 3 November 1988, it became a regular daily service.

From 13 March 2004, the train became entirely no-smoking.

References
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Kitami.
  1. JR Timetable, February 2011 issue, pp. 721–722
  2. JR気動車客車編成表 '04年版 [JR DMU & Coaching Stock Formations - 2004]. Japan: JRR. 1 July 2004. p. 43. ISBN 4-88283-125-2.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.