By AYAMI KO/ Staff Writer
August 2, 2022 at 08:00 JST
The new “HC85 series” train for the Hida limited express service makes a stop at JR Nagoya Station on July 1 as it starts commercial operation. (Ko Ayami)
NAGOYA--Central Japan Railway Co. (JR Tokai) has started commercial operations of its first diesel-battery hybrid train and said it aims to replace its current stock of trains with the new model.
The “HC85 series” train for Hida limited express service on the Takayama Line connects JR Nagoya Station in Aichi Prefecture and Takayama Station in Gifu Prefecture.
The first service left Nagoya Station around 7:40 a.m. on July 1.
“The number of visitors to the Hida-Takayama region has been declining due to the pandemic,” noted company president Shin Kaneko during the departure ceremony. “We want to make use of the commercial operation to help promote the charms of the region to ensure that as many customers as possible enjoy their trips.”
Gifu Governor Hajime Furuta pronounced the view from inside the train as “wonderful” and said the ride itself is a sightseeing experience.
“I think this is a departure ceremony for a tourism revival and the post-COVID world,” he added.
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