The JR Group will implement a timetable revision on March 18, 2023. The main points of the revision are described here.
On the Tokaido Shinkansen, 19 regular “Nozomi” trains will shorten the travel time between Tokyo Station and Shin-Osaka Station, and more extra trains will be operated. In addition, the number of trains operated by the “N700S” will be increased, and cars with business booths will begin to appear on the timetable.
The Joetsu Shinkansen trains will be standardized to the E7 series. The maximum speed will be increased to 275 km/h to shorten the travel time. The Hokuriku Shinkansen, which also runs between Omiya and Takasaki stations, will also reduce the time required.
The “Kusatsu” and “Akagi” limited express trains on the Takasaki Line will be equipped with renewed E257 Series cars, and all cars will begin reserved-seat service similar to the “Azusa” and “Hitachi” trains. In conjunction with this change, “Kusatsu” will be renamed “Kusatsu-Shirane” and “Swallow Agaki” will be integrated into “Agaki”.
JR West’s Tokaido Main Line branch line (between Shin-Osaka Station and Nishi-Kujo Station) will have an underground platform at Osaka Station. The limited express trains “Haruka” and “Kuroshio” running on this section will stop there, and trains on the Osakahigashi Line will operate to Osaka Station.
In addition, Maegata Station will be newly opened between Morioka Station and Ogama Station on the Tazawako Line, and Makuhari-Toyosuna Station between Shin-Narashino Station and Kaihin-Makuhari Station on the Keiyo Line.
© Source travel watch