207 series (JR West)

The 207 series (207系) is a DC electric multiple unit (EMU) commuter train type operated by West Japan Railway Company (JR-West) in the Kansai Region of Japan since 1991.

This train bears no relation to the 207 series built by JNR and operated by JR East until 2009.

Background and history
The 207 series was developed for use on the Katafuku Line (now known as the JR Tozai Line), and also to be the standard commuter train type for JR-West. The type was introduced into service on 30 April 1991, replacing ageing 101 series and 103 series EMUs operating on the Fukuchiyama Line and the Katamachi Line.

The trains were built jointly by Hitachi, JR-West (Goto Factory), Kinki Sharyo, and Kawasaki Heavy Industries.

Livery revision
With the introduction of the 321 series fleet from 2005, the livery used with the 207 series was modified from its original two-tone blue scheme to a navy-and-orange color scheme, matching the scheme used with the 321 series.

Refurbishment
On 22 September 2014, JR-West announced that the 207 series fleet would undergo a program of refurbishment, aiming to improve the fleet's safety, efficiency, and accessibility. 0-subseries set Z22, the first set to be refurbished, returned to service on 17 November 2014.

During the refurbishment program, the interior was fitted with wheelchair spaces, enlarged seat partitions, newly introduced intermediate seat partitions to make way for vertical grab bars, and LED lighting. External changes include the use of HID headlights, gangway door-mounted wipers, and lead car-mounted fall-prevention devices. In addition, the fleet was equipped with abnormality detection technology, and much of the existing electrical equipment was overhauled.

Withdrawal
On 6 April 2022, the 7-car prototype set (F1) was forwarded to Suita General Depot for scrapping.

Variants

 * 207-0 series (manufactured 1991–1994)
 * 207-500/1500 series (converted from former 207-0 and 207-1000 series trains in 1996)
 * 207-1000 series (manufactured 1994–1997)
 * 207-2000 series (manufactured 2002–2003)

Operations

 * Tōkaidō Main Line and Sanyō Main Line Local Service (Biwako Line, JR Kyoto Line, JR Kobe Line): Yasu – Kakogawa
 * Fukuchiyama Line (JR Takarazuka Line): Osaka – Sasayamaguchi
 * Kosei Line: Kyoto – Yamashina – Ōmi-Maiko
 * JR Tōzai Line and Katamachi Line (Gakkentoshi Line): Amagasaki – Kyōbashi – Kizu
 * Wadamisaki Line: Hyogo – Wadamisaki

Former operations

 * Osaka Higashi Line and Kansai Main Line (Yamatoji Line)(until 17 March 2023)

7-car set (Pre-series set)
The pre-series set is formed as follows.