Lilac (train)
A 789 series EMU on a Lilac service in March 2017
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| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Service type | Limited express |
| Status | Operational |
| Locale | Japan |
| First service |
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| Current operator(s) | JR Hokkaido |
| Former operator(s) | JNR |
| Route | |
| Start | Sapporo |
| End | Asahikawa |
| Line used | Hakodate Main Line |
| On-board services | |
| Class(es) | Green + Ordinary |
| Technical | |
| 789 series EMUs | |
| Track gauge | 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) |
| Electrification | 20 kV AC |
The Lilac (ライラック Rairakku) is a limited express train service operated by Hokkaido Railway Company (JR Hokkaido) between Sapporo and Asahikawa in Hokkaido via the Hakodate Main Line since 4 March 2017. The Lilac train service name was also formerly used for express and limited express services operated by Japanese National Railways (JNR) and later by JR Hokkaido between 1963 and 2007.
Services are normally formed of six-car 789 series electric multiple unit (EMU) trains. All cars are no-smoking.
Up until 2007, Lilac services were normally formed of 4-car 781 series EMUs based at Sapporo. All cars were non-reserved except for car 4.
The Lilac was first introduced on 1 June 1963 as an express service operating between Hakodate and Sapporo via Otaru. This service was discontinued from 1 October 1968 when it was merged with the Niseko express.
The Lilac name was revived from 1 October 1980 as a limited express service operating between Muroran and Asahikawa via Sapporo, replacing previous Ishikari (Sapporo – Asahikawa) limited express and Chitose (Chitose and Muroran Main Line) express services.
From 1 July 1992, with the opening of New Chitose Airport, Lilac services were changed to operate between New Chitose Airport and Asahikawa via Sapporo, where trains reversed. Between Sapporo and New Chitose Airport, trains operated as the Airport rapid service. At the same time, the services to Mururan were split off to become the Suzuran limited express. The Lilac services supplemented the Super White Arrow services between Sapporo and Asahikawa, which stopped at fewer stations. The Lilac services operated hourly, departing from Sapporo and Asahikawa at 30 minutes past the hour, taking 1 hour 30 minutes.
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Wikipedia