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E231 series

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E231 series

The E231 series (E231系, E231-kei) is an electric multiple unit (EMU) train type used for commuter and outer-suburban services operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East) in Japan since 2000.

Trains were manufactured by Tokyu Car Corporation, Kawasaki Heavy Industries and also at JR East's factory at Niitsu in Niigata Prefecture.

The type evolved from the earlier 209 series and E217 series EMUs, with the main visible difference being wider bodies (2,950 mm (9 ft 8 in) compared to the 2,800 mm (9 ft 2 in) for earlier commuter trains), and the prototype train built in 1998 for trials on the Chūō–Sōbu Line was actually classified 209-950 series, later becoming E231-900 series. Full-production E231-0 series trains were subsequently introduced on the Chūō–Sōbu Line (10-car sets) and Jōban Line (10+5-car sets). Other variants include the 11-car E231-500 series for the Yamanote Line, and the E231-800 series with 2,800 mm (9 ft 2 in) wide bodies and end doors for use on Tokyo Metro Tozai Line inter-running services.

From 2000 onwards, the first E231-1000 series outer-suburban variant was delivered for use on Utsunomiya Line and Takasaki Line services north from Ueno Station in Tokyo. These trains included transverse seating in some cars and were also equipped with toilets. Production continued into 2006 with trains delivered for use on the Tōkaidō Main Line south from Tokyo. From 2004 onwards, two bilevel Green cars were inserted into all E231-1000 series ten-car sets.

The first full-production E231-0 series trains were introduced on the Chūō–Sōbu Line between February 2000 and November 2001, with 21 ten-car sets (101–121) based at Narashino Depot in Chiba and 21 ten-car sets (20–25, 28–42) based at Mitaka Depot in Tokyo. They replaced older 103, 201, and 205 series trains. One more ten-car set (57) was delivered to Mitaka Depot in November 2002. In December 2003, all Narashino sets were transferred to Mitaka Depot and renumbered 1–19, 26, and 27. Between October and November 2006, three more sets (80–82) were built to replace three 209-500 series sets transferred to the Keihin–TōhokuNegishi Line, creating a total fleet of 46 trains. The Chūō–Sōbu Line sets each contained a six-door car.

New built E231-0 series sets were also delivered to Matsudo Depot between November 2001 and February 2005 for use on Jōban Line services between Ueno and Toride, and also Narita Line services to Narita, replacing the earlier 103 series fleet. A total of 17 ten-car sets (101–117) and 19 five-car sets (121–139) were built.

From December 2009 to November 2011, set 27 was temporarily transferred to Tokyo General Rolling Stock Center and used to deliver new SaHa E231-600 and SaHa E231-4600 trailer cars for the Yamanote Line. In 2012, a "B" suffix was added to all Chūō–Sōbu Line sets (B1–B42, B57, and B80–B82).

Between 2015 and 2020, all E231-0 series sets underwent a mid-life refurbishment with new equipment. In addition, with the transfer of former Yamanote Line E231-500 series sets to the Chūō–Sōbu Line and to prepare for the installation of platform doors, 40 trains were transferred from the Chūō–Sōbu Line to other lines, while six trains were reformed and remain on the Chūō–Sōbu Line with all six-door cars replaced with excess four-door cars from the other 40 sets.

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