While we weren't looking, JR East had converted one of the last three E257-0 EMU sets plus a E257-500 set into a E257-5000 and -5500 set and transfered them to Omiya Yard to replace the outgoing JNR 185 Series EMU for seasonal services (at least two -0 9-car sets and two -500 5-car sets will be converted), one of the main difference compared to the E257-2000 Series is that the gangway covers in Car #1 (E257-5100) had been removed. This also means only one E257-0 set (M-111) will be left unconverted
>>1711661>Especially if the rail connection from Shin Hakodate Hokuto to Hakodate station will end up being axedWouldn't the route where the current Ltd. Express Hokuto runs will be safe for the time being since JR Freight still needs to transport goods from Sapporo and elsewhere to the mainland?
>JR Hokkaido have said they will fund the upgrading of noiseproof facilities along the Hakodate-Sapporo segment of the new line to push the time into within 1 hour.Should we expect at least 300 km/h?
