The is a Commuter Limited Express train operated by West Japan Railway Company (JR West) between Kyoto Station and Aboshi Station, on the JR Kyoto Line, JR Kobe Line (Tōkaidō Main Line, San'yō Main Line).
Summary This Commuter Limited Express train operates during weekday mornings and evenings. With the introduction of this train, Limited Express trains between 6pm and 8pm from Osaka to Himeji now operate at 1 hour intervals. The total travel time of the Rakuraku Harima is about an hour, which is 5 to 10 minutes faster than a Special Rapid train. J-WEST Card holders can enjoy a discount on the Limited Express charge with the "J-WEST Ticketless" service.
As a Limited Express train, it is similar to the Rakuraku Biwako and the Haruka, that they all operate within JR West's "Urban Network" metropolitan area. It is also the first Limited Express train to be introduced to the Kinki Region in 16 years, ever since the debut of the Biwako Express in 2003.
Service pattern The train operates only on weekdays. One eastbound train from Aboshi to Kyoto is operated in the morning rush hours, and one westbound train from Kyoto to Aboshi is operated in the evening rush hours.
Stations served ー ー ー ー ー ー ー ー ー ー ー ー
The Hamakaze No. 5 and the Super Hakuto No. 13,15, which run ahead and behind the evening Rakuraku Harima respectively, now adapt the same stopping pattern as the Rakuraku Harima.
Rolling stock
289 series 6-car sets (based in the Suita Depot). Car 1 is at the Aboshi-end, while Car 6 is at the Kyoto-end. Sockets are located at the front and rear end of each car, and all seats in the green car.
・No. 3, 2 Car No.123456AccommodationGreenReservedReservedReservedReservedReservedReservedNoteBarrier-FreeWomen only
・No. 1, 4 Car No.123456AccommodationReservedReservedReservedReservedReservedReservedNoteBarrier-Free, Women only
History
30 November 2018: Officially announces that services will begin in Spring 2019, along with daily operation frequency, stations served, rolling stock and limited express charge 14 December 2018: Officially announces date of first service and its timetables 18 March 2019: Operation commences
References This article incorporates material from the corresponding article in the Japanese Wikipedia.
External links JR West's official website for the Rakuraku Harima