NAGANO (Kyodo) East Japan Railway Co. started operations of a hybrid passenger train with an electric motor and diesel engine Saturday in Nagano Prefecture, the first of its kind designated for tourists.
The Resort View Furusato train will run between the city of Nagano and Minami-Otari stations once a day until Dec. 26. All 78 seats of the two cars are occupied by passengers, JR East said. The train features large windows so that passengers can enjoy the scenic views, and the front carriage is an observation car. Starting Dec. 4, similar trains will be operated on the Tsugaru, Ominato and Goto lines in Aomori and Akita prefectures.
On Saturday, a launching ceremony was held at JR Nagano Station, attended by the prefecture's governor, Shuichi Abe.
