When using the Shinkansen or limited express trains on conventional lines, each train is usually assigned a nickname. Therefore, when making an itinerary or purchasing a ticket, it is sufficient to designate the train by its nickname. However, from the standpoint of train operators, it is necessary to have information to identify each train even if it does not have a nickname. Therefore, train numbers are assigned. It is the same as flight numbers on airplanes.
The information used to identify the train is the train number
We are not usually aware of the existence of train numbers, but if you look at a paper timetable, you will see them. When I draw up a schedule, I usually write not only the departure and arrival stations, but also the train number. It is not essential information, but it is for my own satisfaction.
Nevertheless, there are many things that can be learned by looking at train numbers, which sometimes affect the general public as well. Since the discussion would become too cluttered if we were to cover civilian railways as well, let’s limit our discussion to the JR Group.
The maximum number of digits in a train number is four. Since this information is for identification, it is not duplicated among trains that enter and leave the same line and the same station (it may be duplicated if the area or the operation section is different). And the number is odd for down trains and even for up trains. It is similar to how airplane flight numbers are divided into odd and even numbers depending on whether they are headed east or west.
On honor trains with nicknames, it is common to match the last two or three digits of the train number with the number of the train. For example, JR Hokkaido’s “Hokuto No. 1” is 1D, and JR West’s “Thunderbird No. 19” is 4019M.
However, there is an exception: JR Hokkaido’s “Rapid Airport” has no relationship between the train number and the number. The train number is a three-digit number, with the tens and hundreds indicating the time of departure from the first station, and the ones indicating the order by time of day. For example, for a 3:00 p.m. departure from New Chitose Airport, the numbers would be No. 151, 153, 155, 157, and 159.
The four-digit train number is used to distinguish between regular, seasonal, and special trains by the thousandths digit. Regular trains are numbered 1 to 5, seasonal trains are numbered 6 to 7, and temporary trains are numbered 8 to 9. So, for example, if the train number is “9xxxxx,” you know it is a special train. However, if you look at the timetable, you will find a note about the date of operation, so you can tell.
The “Taisetsu” limited express trains on the Ishihoku Main Line consist of two round trips each, No. 1 through No. 4, and were previously numbered 81D through 84D. The numbering of the trains used to be 81D-84D. However, since some trains were cancelled on weekdays during off-peak season, they are now treated as seasonal trains, and their numbers are now 6081D-6084D.
© Source travel watch