User:Srextra/Moonlight Echigo

The Moonlight Echigo (ムーンライトえちご) is a rapid overnight train service operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East), which runs from Shinjuku to Niigata in Niigata Prefecture via the Takasaki Line, the Joetsu Line, and the Shinetsu Main Line.

Rolling stock
Since December 2013, Moonlight Echigo services are formed of 485 series electric multiple unit (EMU) 10-car (4+6-car) formations based at Niigata Depot.

Past rolling stock

 * 183 series EMUs
 * 165 series EMUs

History
The Moonlight Echigo service was introduced in 1986 to directly compete with bus services from Ikebukuro to Niigata. The name is taken from the Echigo Province, the old name of Niigata Prefecture.

From March 14, 2009, the daily Moonlight Echigo was discontinued and became a seasonal train running only during Japanese holidays.