Hachiōji (train)

The Hachiōji (はちおうじ) is a limited express train service for commuters on the Chūō Rapid Line operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East). The train operates on weekdays only. All seats are reserved on this train.

Prior to 16 March, 2019, this train operated as the Chūō Liner (中央ライナー), which was a limited-stop reserved-seat "Home Liner" service. Since 16 March, 2019, the Chūō Liner has been upgraded to limited express status and become known as the Hachiōji.

Morning

 * Hachiōji 2: Hachiōji to Tokyo
 * Hachiōji 4: Hachi

Evening

 * Hachiōji 1: Tokyo to Hachiōji
 * Hachiōji 3: Tokyo to Hachiōji
 * Hachiōji 5: Tokyo to Hachiōji
 * Hachiōji 7: Tokyo to Hachiōji
 * Hachiōji 9: Tokyo to Hachiōji
 * Hachiōji 11: Tokyo to Hachiōji

Morning

 * Chūō Liner 2: Hachiōji to Tokyo
 * Chūō Liner 4: Takao to Tokyo

Evening

 * Chūō Liner 1: Tokyo to Takao
 * Chūō Liner 3: Tokyo to Takao
 * Chūō Liner 5: Tokyo to Takao
 * Chūō Liner 7: Tokyo to Hachiōji
 * Chūō Liner 9: Tokyo to Takao

History
JR East announced a new timetable revision which took effect from March 2019 onwards. It announced the discontinuation of the Chūō Liner and the Ōme Liner, which was replaced by two new limited express services, the Hachiōji (はちおうじ) and the Ōme (おうめ) respectively. The Hachiōji operates in a similar pattern as the former Chūō Liner, with two Tokyo-bound trains during the morning rush, and six Hachiōji-bound trains during the evening rush. With this, a new ticketing system is now implemented, in which limited express tickets can be purchased in advance, unlike the Liner tickets which can only be bought on the day of boarding.

Current rolling stock

 * E353 series (since March 16, 2019)

Past rolling stock

 * 183 series 9-car EMUs (from March 16, 1991, until March 16, 2008)
 * E351 series 12-car EMUs (since March 15, 2008 until March 16, 2018)
 * E257 series 9- or 11-car EMUs (since July 1, 2002 until March 15, 2019)