As of 1 April 2017[update], services on the line are operated using a fleet of four two-car 3000 series stainless steel electric multiple unit (EMU) trains, which were formerly Keio 3000 series EMUs.[2]
With the raising of the overhead power supply voltage to 1,500 V DC in December 1986, the line's fleet was replaced by four two-car former Tokyu 5000 series EMUs.[5] As these trains did not have air-conditioning, they were replaced between 1999 and 2000 by four two-car former Keio 3000 series EMUs.[5]
Withdrawn MoHa 10 EMU cars in 1988
A 5000 series EMU in 1988
3000 series set 3001 in February 2008
History
The line opened on 2 October 1921 as the Chikuma Railway (筑摩鉄道) from Matsumoto to Niimura, electrified at 600 V DC.[5] The line was extended to Shimashima Station [ja] (now closed), opening on 26 September 1922.[5]
On 27 December 1932, the Chikuma Railway was renamed the Matsumoto Electric Railway (松本電気鉄道).[5]
The overhead line power supply voltage was increased from 600 V DC to 750 V DC in 1957, and further raised to 1,500 V DC in December 1986.[5]
Freight services were discontinued from 1 December 1973.[5]
In September 1983, landslides caused by Typhoon Forrest resulted in suspension of services on the line beyond Shinshimashima to Shimashima.[5] This section was formally closed on 31 December 1984.[5]
On 1 April 2011, following a merger with local bus operators, the operating company was renamed Alpico Kōtsū.[5]
^ 私鉄車両編成表 2017 [Private Railway Rolling Stock Formations - 2017] (in Japanese). Japan: Kotsu Shimbunsha. 25 July 2017. p. 91. ISBN978-4-330-81317-2.
^"上高地線 ２０年ぶり新車両 都内の地下鉄走った「２００００系」 来春から運行" [New rolling stock to be introduced to the Kamikochi line after 20 years - 20000 series from the Tobu Railway to commence operations starting from spring.]. shinmai.co.jp (in Japanese). The Shinano Mainichi Shimbun. 22 June 2021. Archived from the original on 22 June 2021. Retrieved 22 June 2021.
^ abcdefghijTerada, Hirokazu (19 January 2013). データブック日本の私鉄 [Databook: Japan's Private Railways] (in Japanese). Japan: Neko Publishing. pp. 85, 240. ISBN978-4-7770-1336-4.
