Super Ōzora
KiHa 283 series DMU on a Super Ōzora service, January 2007
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| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Service type | Limited express |
| Locale | Sekishō Line |
| First service | 1961 (Ōzora) 1997 (Super Ōzora) |
| Current operator(s) | JR Hokkaido |
| Former operator(s) | JNR |
| Route | |
| Start | Sapporo |
| End | Kushiro |
| Average journey time | 3 hours 35 minutes |
| Service frequency | 7 return services daily |
| Technical | |
| KiHa 283 series DMU | |
| Track gauge | 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) |
| Electrification | Diesel |
| Operating speed | 130 km/h (81 mph) |
The Super Ōzora (スーパーおおぞら?) is a limited express train service between Sapporo and Kushiro in Hokkaido, Japan, operated by Hokkaido Railway Company (JR Hokkaido). There are seven trains per day running in both directions, with the fastest journeys taking 3 hours 35 minutes.
The service commenced as the limited express Ōzora (おおぞら?) on 1 October 1961, operating between Hakodate and Asahikawa using KiHa 80 series DMUs with one return working daily. The service was extended to run between Hakodate and Kushiro from 1967. By 1973, there were three return workings daily. In October 1980, following the opening of New Chitose Airport, services were reorganized, with just one return working daily between Sapporo and Kushiro. From October 1981, the train was rerouted via the Sekishō Line, reducing journey times by approximately one hour. From 22 March 1997, four Ōzora services were upgraded to become Super Ōzora following the introduction of new KiHa 283 series tilting DMUs. The remaining Ōzora services using KiHa 183 series DMUs were phased out by 2001.
KiHa 80 series DMU on an Ōzora service in 1986
KiHa 183 series DMU on an Ōzora service at Sapporo Station in 1986
KiHa 183 series DMU on an Ōzora service in 1984
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Wikipedia