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Sonic (ソニック, sonikku) is the name used by Kyushu Railway Company (JR Kyushu) for the limited express train service operating between Hakata and Ōita via Kokura and Beppu along the Kagoshima Main Line and Nippō Main Line in Kyushu, Japan. It runs every 30 minutes at a speed of 130 km/h (80 mph) - with a journey time of approximately 2 hours.

Sonic

A White Sonic 885 series EMU
Overview
Service type	Limited express
First service	1997
Current operator(s)	JR Kyushu
Route
Line(s) used	Kagoshima Main Line, Nippō Main Line
Technical
Rolling stock	883 series, 885 series　EMUs
Operating speed	130 km/h (80 mph)

Rolling stock

Services are operated by a fleet of eight 7-car 883 series electric multiple unit (EMU) trains and eleven 6-car 885 series White Sonic EMUs.

• 883 series EMUs (8 x 7-car) - Since 1997
• 885 series EMUs (11 x 6-car) - Since 2001

Most services are operated by renovated Series 883 trains including a panoramic lounge area located in the Green Car (first class).[1]

History

• 20 April 1995: New 883 series Sonic EMUs are introduced on Nichirin limited express services between Hakata and Ōita, and named Sonic Nichirin.
• 22 March 1997: Nichirin and Sonic Nichirin services are combined to become Sonic services operated entirely by 883 series EMUs.
• 3 March 2001: New 5-car 885 series White Sonic are introduced on Sonic services.
• 15 March 2003: 885 series White Sonic sets lengthened from 5 to 6 cars, allowing interchangeability with 885 series White Kamome sets.
• 18 March 2007: All cars become non-smoking.
• 19 July 2008: The three 5-car 883 series sets are augmented to 7 cars.[2]

See also

• List of named passenger trains of Japan

References

External links

• JR Kyushu website

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