Ōzora (train)
The is a limited express train service between and in Hokkaido, Japan, operated by Hokkaido Railway Company (JR Hokkaido). There are six trains per day running in both directions, with the fastest journeys taking 3 hours 58 minutes. History The service commenced as the limited express on 1 October 1961, operating between Hakodate and Asahikawa using KiHa 80 series DMUs with one return working daily. The service was extended to run between Hakodate and Kushiro from 1967. By 1973, there were three return workings daily. In October 1980, following the opening of New Chitose Airport, services were reorganized, with just one return working daily between Sapporo and Kushiro. From October 1981, the train was rerouted via the Sekishō Line, reducing journey times by approximately one hour. From 22 March 1997, four Ōzora services were upgraded to become following the introduction of new KiHa 283 series tilting DMUs. The remaining Ōzora services using KiHa 183 series DMUs were phased out by 2001. KiHa 261 series DMUs were introduced on 14 March 2020, and the service has since been returned to simply Ōzora. Stops Trains stop at the following stations: - - - () - () - () - - - () - () - - - () - () - Stations in brackets () are stations where only some trains stop at. Rolling stock The Ōzora is operated by 6-car KiHa 283 series and KiHa 261 series DMUs, with car 1 at the Kushiro (eastern) end. All cars are no-smoking. For departures using KiHa 283 series, cars 1, 2 and 4 to 6 are ordinary-class cars with 2+2 seating, and car 3 is a "Green" car with 2+1 seating. For departures using KiHa 261 series, car 1 is a "Green" car with 2+1 seating, and cars 2 to 6 are ordinary-class cars with 2+2 seating. Former rolling stock KiHa 80 series DMUs KiHa 183 series DMUs (1980–2001) 2011 derailment and fire On 27 May 2011, the Super Ōzora 14 service from Kushiro to Sapporo was brought to an emergency stop inside the No. 1 Niniu Tunnel in Shimukappu, Hokkaidō, at around 21:55 after car number 2 of the 6-car formation became derailed. The train caught fire, and all of the 245 people on board, including train staff eventually evacuated the train. 39 were treated for smoke inhalation and minor burn injuries. The burnt-out train was removed from the tunnel on 29 May 2011. References External links JR Hokkaido official website JR Hokkaido official website Named passenger trains of Japan Hokkaido Railway Company Japanese National Railways Railway services introduced in 1961 1961 establishments in Japan