| Tsubame | |
 |
|
|---|---|
| Service type | Shinkansen |
| Operator | JR Kyushu |
| Line used | Kyushu Shinkansen |
| Started | 1930 (Limited express) 2004 (Shinkansen) |
| Rolling stock | 800 Series Shinkansen |
The Tsubame (つばめ) is the name of the train services operating on the Kyūshū Shinkansen in Japan since 2004.[1]
The word tsubame (燕) in Japanese means "swallow", and has been used on a succession of limited express trains on the Tōkaidō and Sanyō Main Line in Japan since 1930.[2]
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The Tsubame name (originally written as "燕") was first used from 1 October 1930 for limited express services operating between Tokyo and Kobe, hauled by C51 and C53 steam locomotive. These services operated until 30 September 1943.[2]
The name was revived (this time written as "つばめ") from 1 January 1950 for limited express services operating between Tokyo and Osaka, hauled by C62 steam locomotive and EF58 electric locomotives, and later by 151 series EMUs. From 1 October 1964, following the opening of the Tōkaidō Shinkansen, the name was reassigned to limited express trains operating between Shin-Osaka and Hakata. From 1 October 1965, services were extended to operate between Nagoya and Hakata, operated by 481 and 583 series EMUs. These services continued until 9 March 1975.[2]
The Tsubame name was once again revived by JR Kyushu from 15 July 1992 for limited express services operating on the Kagoshima Main Line between Mojiko/Hakata and Nishi Kagoshima (now Kagoshima-Chūō Station), operated using new 787 series EMUs in 6-, 7-, or 11-car formations.[2][3] These services operated until 12 March 2004, the day before the new Kyushu Shinkansen opened.
With the start of services on the Kyushu Shinkansen between Shin-Yatsushiro and Kagoshima-Chūō from 13 March 2004, new Relay Tsubame services commenced on the Kagoshima Main Line between Hakata and Shin-Yatsushiro using 787 series EMUs in 7-, 8-, and 11-car formations.[1] The operation of the Relay Tsubame service is unique, as it is the only station in Japan where normal trains stop at platforms adjacent to the shinkansen platforms. This is to facilitate transfer of passengers from shinkansen to Relay Tsubame and vice-versa. Normally, shinkansen platforms are physically separated from normal train platforms with fare gates and may be at a different level (usually above the normal train platforms).
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  | JR Kyushu ''Tsubame'' information - JR Kyushu English |
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