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.
Service outline
Current services
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
As Chūō Liner
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.[1]
"2008 年3 月ダイヤ改正について" JR East Hachiōji Branch news release, 20 December 2007 (in Japanese)
^2019年3月ダイヤ改正について(多摩版) [Regarding the timetable revision on March 2019 (Tama Edition)] (PDF). East Japan Railway Company, Hachioji Branch. 14 December 2018. Retrieved 14 December 2018.