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JR West rail service and premium seating expansions

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2026-08-31 09:09 UTC → 2026-09-03 02:51 UTC · added ~~removed~~

JR West has announced several service expansions and upgrades to its rail network. In response to a 7% rise in passenger usage, the company will increase Hokuriku Shinkansen services by 26.6% for the autumn season, adding 985 extra trains between October 1 and November 30. This includes increasing train lengths on weekends and returning the ‘Hanayome no Noren’ sightseeing train to two daily round trips to support regional tourism. JR West and JR Central are significantly expanding premium seating options. Starting October 3, 2026, JR West will expand its ‘Ureshi-to’ paid seating service to all time slots on the Biwako, JR Kyoto, JR Kobe, Yamatoji, and Osaka Loop Lines. On the Osaka Loop Line, the service will transition from a few daily options to dozens, utilizing existing train cars partitioned by curtains to offer reserved seats for a 300 yen ticketless fee. Additionally, a new ‘Supreme Class’ tier will launch on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen corridors on October 1, 2026. Positioned above the Green Car, this service will introduce lockable private cabins featuring single or two-seat configurations with sofas, electronic-lock doors, reclining seats, 5G-capable Wi-Fi, and specialized audio technology. JR Central has specified two luxury options for this service: ‘Cabin’, offering private rooms for one or two passengers, and ‘Seat’, providing semi-private seating with large reclining chairs and privacy shells. The ‘Cabin’ service is scheduled to launch on October 1, 2024, on select N700S train sets, while the ‘Seat’ option is expected within the 2027 fiscal year. Furthering its commuter-focused offerings, JR West is expanding its ‘SUWALOCA’ subscription service. Following a pilot on the ‘Kounotori’ line, the 30-day reserved seat pass will expand to four commuter corridors connecting to Osaka, including the ‘Rakuraku Biwako,’ ‘Rakuraku Harima,’ and ‘Rakuraku Yamato’ lines. ~~For a monthly fee of 10,500 yen, passengers can reserve ordinary car seats, though basic fares must be paid separately.~~

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