en.Weodoany.com Report on Mar 27th, Hitachi Rail recently announced that it will develop a new gourmet train named "vies" for Seibu Railway, responsible for vehicle manufacturing. The train is expected to officially commence operations in March 2028, and its name and logo design have been publicly confirmed. The project combines high-quality dining with advanced train design, aiming to provide a premium travel experience. Building on the success of Seibu Railway's existing restaurant train "52 Seats of Happiness," the new service will create a more refined and exclusive environment for passengers.
The "vies" gourmet train is based on Seibu Railway's flagship limited express train "Laview," which was also manufactured by Hitachi Rail and launched in 2019. Laview is known for its large windows and open interior, offering panoramic views and a comfortable travel environment. Hitachi Rail will utilize its vehicle engineering expertise to achieve seamless integration of dining and travel, including spacious interiors, design elements harmonizing with the scenery, and technologies enhancing comfort, safety, and operational stability.
In addition to manufacturing the vehicles, Hitachi will also contribute systems and control technologies to ensure smooth and reliable operation. The goal is to create a travel experience where dining, design, and journey quality are closely intertwined. The name "vies" originates from the French word for "lives," reflecting the concept of enriching the passenger experience through food, travel, and shared moments. The plural form symbolizes multiple lives converging, and when read backwards, it subtly references Seibu Railway. The logo design incorporates flowing curves inspired by the train's form, emphasizing a relaxed and indulgent experience that prioritizes comfort over speed.
Seibu Railway previously collaborated with Hitachi Rail on the restaurant train concept, with "52 Seats of Happiness" launched in 2016. It primarily operates on weekends between Ikebukuro, Seibu-Shinjuku, and Seibu-Chichibu, offering full-course dining services inspired by local culture and scenery. The launch of the "vies" gourmet train marks the next phase of this concept, combining proven vehicle design with enhanced hospitality services to attract both domestic and international passengers.
