IGR 7000 series

701 series
An Akita area 701-0 series in April 2007
In service	1993–Present
Manufacturer	JR East, Kawasaki Heavy Industries
Replaced	50 series, 715 series
Constructed	1993–2001
Number built	274 vehicles
Number in service	274 vehicles
Formation	2, 3 or 4 cars per trainset
Operator(s)	JR East, Aoimori Railway, IGR
Depot(s)	Akita, Aomori, Morioka, Sendai, Yamagata
Specifications
Car body construction	Stainless steel
Car length	20,000 mm (65 ft 7 in)
Width	2,800 mm (9 ft 2 in)
Height	3,620 mm (11 ft 11 in)
Doors	3 pairs per side
Maximum speed	110 km/h (70 mph)
Traction system	Variable frequency drive
Electric system(s)	20 kV AC, 50 Hz
Current collection method	Overhead catenary
Safety system(s)	ATS-Ps (701-0/100/1000/1500), ATS-P (701-5000/5500)
Multiple working	E721 series
Track gauge	1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) (701-0/100/1000/1500) 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) (701-5000/5500)

The 701 series is an AC electric multiple unit (EMU) train type operated on local services by East Japan Railway Company (JR East), Aoimori Railway, and Iwate Galaxy Railway (IGR) in Japan. The design is derived from the 209 series commuter EMU, and was intended to replace locomotive-hauled trains formed of 50 series coaches in the north of Japan.

89 701-0 series cars were delivered in 1993, formed as three-car sets (N1 to N13) and two-car sets (N14 to N38), all based at Akita Depot. Three two-car sets (N36 to N38) were later modified with some transverse seating, and from 2005, the entire fleet had the original PS104 scissors-type pantographs replaced with PS109 single-arm pantographs. Snowploughs were also added to the front ends at the same time.

These sets are used on the Uetsu Main Line between Tsuruoka and Akita, on the Ōu Main Line between Shinjō and Aomori, and on the Tsugaru Line between Aomori and Kanita. The sets with transverse seating are mainly used on the Ōu Main Line between Shinjō and Akita.

The KuMoHa 701 car is fitted with one pantograph. The KuHa 700 car is fitted with a toilet and wheelchair space.

The KuMoHa 701 car is fitted with one pantograph. The KuHa 700 car is fitted with a toilet and wheelchair space.

Interior view of Akita set N1 in July 2007, showing longitudinal seating

Thirteen 701-100 series cars were delivered in 1994, formed as one 3-car set and five 2-car sets. All sets were initially based at Akita Depot, but four of the 2-car sets were subsequently transferred to Sendai. The Akita-based sets had the original PS104 scissors-type pantographs replaced with PS109 single-arm pantographs between 2007 and 2008. Snowploughs were also added to the front ends at the same time. The Sendai-based sets had the original PS104 scissors-type pantographs replaced with lower-profile PS105 lozenge-type pantographs in 2002 to allow operation through limited-clearance tunnels on the Senzan Line.