711 series get a reprieve- Akaden will make it to spring, perhaps summer

[bikkuri bahn]

It was reported by the Hokkaido Shimbun last year that JR Hokkaido would be retiring the remaining 711 series emus by the March timetable revision, one year earlier than previously announced. However, that time has passed, and units are still running to date.  A trip to Teine Station this evening confirmed this, with the usual 3+3 711 series on the 18:16 Teine-Iwamizawa stopper.  Schedules posted on the station platforms and dated 3/15/2014 also still have notations for 711 series services.  It appears the akaden still have a few months more operation, at least.

 

Winter scenes of 711 series on the Sassho Line:

Edited March 20, 2014 by bikkuri bahn