Search the Community

JR Hokkaido Asahikawa Station is offering a two-day package tour featuring mileage on lines the 711 series has run over the past 40+ years. Oct. 5 will see a trainset in original JNR colors running Asahikawa to Otaru via Sapporo, and then down to Muroran. After an overnight stay in Muroran, the train will run to Sapporo and travel on the Sassho Line, and then reverse and return to Asahikawa on the Hakodate Main Line.　As of the end of August, the number of 711 series workings has been cut in half, and total retirement is scheduled for this coming spring. https://www.jrhokkaido.co.jp/press/2014/140820-2.pdf

It was reported by the Hokkaido Shimbun last year that JR Hokkaido would be retiring the remaining 711 series emus by the March timetable revision, one year earlier than previously announced. However, that time has passed, and units are still running to date. A trip to Teine Station this evening confirmed this, with the usual 3+3 711 series on the 18:16 Teine-Iwamizawa stopper. Schedules posted on the station platforms and dated 3/15/2014 also still have notations for 711 series services. It appears the akaden still have a few months more operation, at least. Winter scenes of 711 series on the Sassho Line: