Tobu Railway will debut a new set of #500 series trains in the spring of 2017 which will run limited express services from Tokyo to a variety of destinations in northern Japan. The trains named “Revaty” will run from Asakusa in central Tokyo to scenic locations such as Nikko, Kinugawa Onsen, and Aizu-Wakamatsu.
The train’s sleek exterior is colored “champagne beige” with green and blue highlights. The green symbolizes the forests of northern Japan, and the blue symbolizes the future
The new train’s sleek design has been overseen by the award-winning industrial designer Ken Kiyoyuki Okuyama. Okuyama is best known for designing Ferrari automobiles but has actually designed a large number of other railway vehicles including JR East’s luxury cruise Train Suite Shiki-Shima which is also scheduled to debut this May.
Eight three-car sets of the new train are being constructed which can be coupled together into larger units, or separated en route. This ability to link up the trains is key to enabling the new Limited Express to run to a greater range of destinations on both tourist and commuter routes. Two trains can be coupled together for the first part of the journey from Asakusa, before being separated in Saitama into two separate services: one which follows the Tobu Nikko Line, and the other the Tobu Isesaki Line.
All seats will have their own electrical power outlets and Wi-Fi will be available throughout the train
The name “Revaty” is actually derived from the English words “variety” and “liberty” reflecting the numerous routes the trains can service and the greater freedom this will give Tobu Railway’s passengers. Each three-car train set will have 161 seats and each seat will be fitted with an electrical power outlet. Carriages will use LED lighting, and be fitted with a universal access toilet as well as a western style toilet. Wi-Fi will be available throughout the train. In a first for Tobu Railway, carriages will also have active suspension to reduce vibrations when traveling.
An artist’s impression of the Revaty Limited Express flying past Tokyo Sky Tree
Tobu have confirmed the following services to commence in spring of 2017:
Revaty Kegon will run from Asakusa to Tobu Nikko Station in the famous temple town of Nikko.
Revaty Kinu will run from Asakusa to Shin-Fujiwara via the resort town of Kinugawa Onsen.
Revaty Aizu will run from Asakusa to Aizu-Tajima via the scenic castle town of Aizu-Wakamatsu.
Revaty Ryomo will run from Asakusa to Tatebayashi in Gunma Prefecture.
Skytree Liner will run from Asakusa to Kasukabe in Saitama Prefecture.
Urban Park Liner will run two services from Asakusa. One will run to Omiya in Saitama Prefecture and Nodashi in Chiba Prefecture and the other to Omiya and Ungain Chiba Prefecture.
Article by Michael Lambe. All rights reserved.
