JR East is set to launch a new 12-car E233 series train with two Green cars on October 13, 2024, ahead of the planned addition of Green cars to the Chuo Rapid and Ome lines in spring 2025. This follows the retirement of two 209 series trains, which had been used as temporary replacements until September 6.
The 209 series was initially introduced to address a shortage of E233 trains undergoing modifications for Green car integration, which began in March 2019. Although they had a limited role on the Chuo Rapid Line, the 209 series garnered attention for their unexpected deployment in that service.
Over the past five and a half years, the 209 series primarily operated on the Chuo Rapid Line, with occasional appearances on the Chuo Express and Ome Line. Known for their distinctive acceleration and deceleration sounds, they were equipped with the now-rare Mitsubishi GTO-VVVF inverters, attracting a loyal fanbase. However, with the introduction of the E233 series, the 209 trains were retired due to their lack of Train Automatic Stop Control (TASC) equipment required for the new configurations.
