The is a single-car diesel multiple unit (DMU) train type operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East) since November 2008.
The "KiHa" designation derives from the classification system used by Japanese National Railways (JNR). "Ki" indicates a diesel-powered vehicle, while "Ha" indicates an ordinary passenger car, as opposed to a green car.
Operations Eight cars (numbered KiHa E120-1 to 8) are based at Koriyama Depot and are used on the following routes. Tadami Line ( – , since March 2020)
Former operations Until March 2020, the fleet was based at Niitsu Depot and used interchangeably with KiHa 110 series DMUs on the following routes. Banetsu West Line ( – ) Uetsu Main Line (Niitsu – ) Shinetsu Main Line (Niitsu – ) Yonesaka Line Hakushin Line (Rapid Benibana and 1 local train only)
Exterior
The body design is based on the KiHa E200 DMU, and uses a new diesel engine reducing NOx emissions.
Externally, the orange colour scheme is intended to evoke the autumn leaf colour of the beech forests of the Iide mountains in Niigata, Fukushima, and Yamagata Prefectures.
Between 2019 and 2020, the fleet received a green colour scheme, at the same time as the transfer from Niitsu Depot to Koriyama Depot.
Interior Passenger accommodation consists of 1+2 abreast facing seating bays in the centre of each car, and longitudinal bench seating at the ends of cars. Each car has a universal access toilet.
The cars are equipped with fare machines for use on wanman driver-only-operated services.
History Eight cars were built by Niigata Transys in May 2008, entering revenue service from 1 November 2008.
References
External links
JR East E120/E130 information