Seibu Railway are launching their new 40000 series S-Train on Saturday March 25th. This new reserved seating through train will run on railway lines operated by four companies: Seibu Railway, Tokyo Metro, Tokyu Corporation, and Yokohama Minatomirai Railway. On weekends and holidays the S-train will run 5 services between Motomachi-Chukagai Station in Yokohama and Hanno and Seibu-Chichibu stations in Saitama. On weekdays the S-train will run 7 services between Tokorozawa Station in Saitama and Toyosu Station in Koto Ward, Tokyo.
The “S” in “S-train” stands for the variety of “scenes” the train will pass through, the comfortable reserved “seats”, and for “seamless” direct travel
The S-train is designed with adaptable seating so that it is equally comfortable for workers and students who will use it during busy commutation periods and for sightseers who will use it during holidays and weekends. During weekday commutation periods seats can be arranged lengthways along the sides of the carriages, but at weekends the seats can be arranged in pairs across the carriages.
Seats arranged for commutation travel
Seats arranged for weekend trips
Pairs of seats can also be rotated to face each other for passengers who are traveling in groups. In addition the S-train is equipped with free Wi-Fi internet access, electrical outlets by all seats for smartphones and computers, and “plasmacluster” air purifiers. There is also an open area in the train which is suitable for wheelchair users, parents with push chairs, or passengers with large items of luggage. This area is called the “partner zone” and is fitted with perch seats and large windows so that passengers can enjoy the passing scenery.
The S-train’s partner zone
Built from a light-weight aluminum alloy, fitted with energy efficient LED lighting, and using the most up-to-date engine technology the S-train will also reduce energy consumption by an estimated 40% compared to previous energy efficient trains!
The S-train commences operations on March 25th
The new S-train will be launched on Saturday March 25th with a series of events at stations on its route. Tickets are now on sale and are available at all Seibu Railway Stations, or from stations operated by other companies along the S-train route. For more details please visit the official S-train website (Japanese only).
Article by Michael Lambe. All rights reserved.
