JR Hokkaido Business Plan: New Trains & Updates

JR Hokkaido has officially announced its comprehensive business plan, allocating an impressive capital investment budget to enhance infrastructure, boost transport capacity, and accommodate the rising volume of international travellers across the region.

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Key capital investments focus heavily on fleet updates and passenger capacity enhancements. The railway company is actively replacing aging rolling stock, including the 721 series EMUs used on the popular Rapid "Airport" services connecting Sapporo and New Chitose Airport, alongside older diesel locomotives. To manage growing passenger traffic along the Chitose Line, additional long-seat configuration trains are being introduced alongside plans for increased service frequencies.

For sightseeing updates, preparation is underway for new luxury sightseeing trains. Staff training and regional hospitality initiatives are being intensified ahead of the launch of the "Akai Hoshi" (Red Star) sightseeing train scheduled to run between Sapporo and Abashiri, followed by the "Aoi Hoshi" (Blue Star) service. Conversely, due to vehicle aging, the longstanding "Norokko Train" will see its final operational period.

Ticketing Changes and Safety Enhancements

Following the complete transition of limited express trains serving Asahikawa, Kitami, Abashiri, and Wakkanai (including the "Kamui", "Lilac", "Ohotsuku", "Soya", and "Sarobetsu" services) to reserved-seat-only status, strategic yield management systems are being deployed to stimulate demand and optimize revenue.

Safety operational measures have been strictly reinforced following past derailment incidents on the Hakodate Main Line between Mori and Ishikura, as well as the Soya Main Line between Teshio-Nakagawa and Toikanbetsu. Comprehensive field inspections supervised directly by the Safety Audit Office aim to embed a rigorous safety culture across all network operations.

Digital Upgrades and Fleet Modernisation

To address operational labour shortages and modernise network maintenance, JR Hokkaido is advancing new technology deployments. Preparations are underway to introduce a comprehensive inspection car equipped with electrical equipment monitoring capabilities, while introducing track inspection systems using onboard image data capture.

Passenger convenience upgrades include expanding Mobile Suica commuter pass features and exploring the expansion of the Kitaca contactless IC card coverage area. At Sapporo Station, additional "Talk with Ticketing Machines" (AMX-V10) are being installed alongside station renovations. To improve long-term operational efficiency, driver-only (one-man) operation is currently being evaluated for the "Hakodate Liner" service.

Hokkaido Shinkansen & Commercial Projects

Work continues on the Hokkaido Shinkansen extension towards Sapporo, alongside ongoing structural reviews regarding overall management impact. At Sapporo Station, construction of the new Shinkansen station building, transfer footbridges between conventional and high-speed lines, and general station revamps are progressing steadily.

To increase transit speeds, engineering work is underway to support maximum speeds of up to 320 km/h between Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto and Sapporo. Discussions continue regarding extending high-speed operations across the shared Seikan Tunnel section during specific operational windows. JR Hokkaido is also collaborating with the JR East Group to expand the regular cargo capacity of the "Hako-Byun" high-speed rail freight transport service.

Regarding low-utilization rail lines requiring sustainable maintenance frameworks under government directives, fundamental business improvement strategies are scheduled to be finalized. Commercial property developments around Sapporo Station are moving forward, with detailed designs initiated for the 5-2 district targeting completion, alongside construction for new station commercial facilities.

Practical Tips

* Reserved Seating Required: All limited express trains across Hokkaido now require reserved seats. It is essential to book your seats in advance via official channels or ticket counters before boarding.

* Airport Transfers: Extra long-seat trains are being introduced on the Rapid "Airport" line between New Chitose Airport and Sapporo to accommodate travelers with large luggage.

* Station Ticketing: If assistance is needed when purchasing complex tickets or passes at Sapporo Station, look for the interactive "Talk with Ticketing Machines" (AMX-V10) for live customer assistance.

Source

Original news source: https://railf.jp/news/2026/04/02/003000.html