737 series
The  is an AC electric multiple unit (EMU) commuter train type operated by Hokkaido Railway Company (JR Hokkaido) on services in the Sapporo area of Hokkaido, Japan, since 20 May 2023. The type is planned replace the fleet of KiHa 143 diesel railcars operated on the Muroran Main Line. The trainsets mark the return of local EMU services on the Muroran Main Line since the retirement of the 711 series from these services in October 2012. The 737 series is the first commuter train type operated by JR Hokkaido to allow for driver-only operation. Development and design 
The 737 series is the first aluminium-bodied production rolling stock operated by JR Hokkaido (the front ends are made of steel). Its adoption follows the development of the experimental 735 series (introduced in 2012), which was developed to test the suitability of aluminium bodywork in cold-weather conditions. The weight savings brought on by aluminium were also taken into consideration, as the equipment required to support driver-only operation would otherwise lead to a significant increase in weight. The sets are painted in a light pink livery inspired by cherry blossoms; the front end is painted black, with green and yellow accents. Internally, the sets use longitudinal seating throughout. The seats are covered in purple moquette with a dotted design, which JR Hokkaido states was inspired by the blooming flowers in the Hokkaido region. Car 2 features a toilet. The floor height is  lower than that of the KiHa 143 railcars they will replace. Operations 
The 737 series sets operate between  and  stations on the Muroran Main Line; they will replace the fleet of KiHa 143 diesel railcars, in addition to displacing some H100 series diesel-electric railcars, the latter of which had also been planned to replace all local trains on the Furano Line. There are also plans to deploy 737 series sets on Hakodate Main Line services in the future. All sets are based at Sapporo depot. History 
The first two sets, C-1 and C-2, were delivered in November 2022. The sets were manufactured by Hitachi at its Kasado facility. Training took place in January and February 2023. By April 2023, seven sets had been built. The final six sets, C-8 to C-13, were delivered in May 2023. The 737 series entered revenue service from 20 May 2023. Configuration 
All trainsets will be made of 2-car sets with a maximum speed of . The capacity is listed at 269 passengers per trainset, of which 93 are seated. References

External links 

 JR Hokkaido press release 

Electric multiple units of Japan
737
Train-related introductions in 2023
Hitachi multiple units
20 kV AC multiple units