Odakyu’s new Romancecar express train unveiled to media

December 6, 2017

Sagamihara, Kanagawa Pref.- Japan's Odakyu Electric Railway Co. unveiled a new model of its Romancecar limited express trains to media on Tuesday, planning to start its commercial operations in March next year.

The new Type 70000 model, the ninth-generation Romancecar, marks the train's first new model in 10 years.

With one large window at observation seats in each of the first and last cars, the seven-car train features significantly improved views. The train cars are more spacious as racks have been removed.

Views from middle cars have also been improved, with the length of their side windows extended by 30 centimeters lengthwise to 100 centimeters.

The new train also features equipment that reduces horizontal shaking on all cars, in the first such case for domestic trains.

Electrical outlets are placed for all the seats. Space for luggage under the seats is created as well.

Uniforms for crew members of the express train will be unified. So far, crew members working in part of the train have worn uniforms. From next spring, all Romancecar crew members will wear new beige jackets and hats.

Romancecar trains link Tokyo and the hot spring resort town of Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, southwest of Tokyo, as well as Gotenba in Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan. Only reserved seats are available for the trains.

The trains are used not only by tourists, but also commuters. Jiji Press