Hokkaido Railway Company
History
The Hokkaido Railway Company, also known as JR Hokkaido, is one of the constituent companies of the Japan Railways (JR) Group. It operates extensive railway networks in Hokkaido, the northernmost of the four main islands of Japan.
The company was established on April 1, 1987, when the Japanese National Railways (JNR) was privatized and divided into six regional companies and a freight company. Prior to this, the JNR had been the sole operator of railways in Japan since its establishment in 1949. The privatization was part of a wider government effort to increase efficiency and profitability in the railway sector.
Operations
JR Hokkaido operates both passenger and freight services. The company's network covers a total of 2,250.8 kilometers, with 1,218.1 kilometers electrified. The network includes both conventional lines and Shinkansen high-speed lines. The company also operates bus services and a ferry service to the island of Hakodate.
Rolling Stock
JR Hokkaido operates a diverse fleet of rolling stock, including both electric and diesel trains. The company's fleet includes the Series 721, Series 731, and Series 735 electric multiple units (EMUs), as well as the KiHa 40, KiHa 54, and KiHa 183 diesel multiple units (DMUs). The company also operates the H5 Series Shinkansen trains on the Hokkaido Shinkansen line.
Infrastructure
The infrastructure of JR Hokkaido includes stations, tracks, depots, and maintenance facilities. The company's infrastructure is notable for its adaptation to the harsh winter conditions of Hokkaido, with features such as snow sheds and heated switches. The company's largest station is Sapporo Station, which is also the largest railway station in Hokkaido.
Challenges
JR Hokkaido has faced several challenges in its operations. These include the high costs of maintaining its extensive network, particularly in rural areas with declining populations. The company has also had to deal with the impacts of natural disasters, such as earthquakes and heavy snowfall, on its infrastructure and services.
Future Plans
JR Hokkaido has several plans for the future. These include the further expansion of the Hokkaido Shinkansen line, the introduction of new rolling stock, and the implementation of measures to improve the company's financial performance.