Wondering when E4 will be replaced?

[to2leo]

Since we already seen the future of main line and mini Shinkansens, I guess it is safe to assume the next replacement will be the E4.  I am wondering if there are any news or rumors that you heard about the next generation double decker Shinkansen?

[bikkuri bahn]

Since we already seen the future of main line and mini Shinkansens, I guess it is safe to assume the next replacement will be the E4.  I am wondering if there are any news or rumors that you heard about the next generation double decker Shinkansen?

 

How about the E1?  Isn't that an earlier model?  Anyway, it looks like the E4 is going to be withdrawn from the Tohoku Line (spring 2011?) and concentrated on the Joetsu Shinkansen.  Whether there will be a replacement depends on whether JR East sees a need for such high capacity (but slower accelerating) units in the future.  At the moment JR East is concentrating on raising speeds on the signature Tohoku Shinkansen Line (see the E5), and construction on the link to Hokkaido, not to mention the Hokuriku Shinkansen.

[Nozomi]

Does anyone have information about ridership on JR East's shinkansen lines? I've read somewhere that the numbers came down considerably in the last few years due to the 10 years long stagnation and the recent financial crisis. Also, I had the impression that lines within tokyo, especially the yamanote line, are much less crowded even in the rush hours than I experienced in the late 80's. So I guess there's no urgent need to replace either the E1's or E4's in the near future. I rode both E1's and E4 last february and they are still in very good shape. Maybe one of the Japanese Language Masters in the forum can bring some light into the situation of railway business in Japan.

[jappomania]

No! it's impossible, a train with my name can't be replaced  :crybaby2:

I like the E4 duck nose, better than the new E5/E6 and it's to much new (produced from 1997 to 2003)

I don't think it will withdraw until 2015/2020 (I hope....)

 

ciao

Massimo (Max for friends  )