Train Information Management System For Tokyo Commuter Trains

The East Japan Railway Company owns a fleet of 8,000 commuter and suburban train cars to carry commuter traffic in Tokyo's metropolitan zone. For the purpose of maintaining current level of service quality and further upgrading it, the authors developed a new type of electric car: the Series E231. After elemental development, the prototype of one-unit cars were completed in 1998, and the specifications for serial production were finalized. Four primary functions of the new cars are outlined. The Train Information Management System (TIMS) is installed to enhance monitoring functions, concentrate and integrate the switchboard, control the air conditioning and other functions, and further upgrade the powering/braking control function, automatic depot departure inspection function, and self diagnosis function. TIMS is a system that greatly expands the functions of past monitoring systems. This system collectively controls and manages the train. All the control signals are basically digitally transmitted. Eighty percent of passing through wires between cars were eliminated, and the wiring within a car was reduced by 35%. In-house production system was achieved. New system and equipment was developed for maintenance. Various performance tests have been completed and put into a serial production line. The cars began commercial operation in the middle of February 2000.